The secrets of the complex application of Calcium in blueberries

The blueberry defines an order of priorities when delivering carbohydrates to its different parts. First there is the fruit, then the sprouts, and finally the roots. If there are enough carbohydrates it will be enough for everyone, but if there is a shortage the components with the lowest priority will be severely affected.

The function of Calcium (Ca) in plants in general is complex and diverse, and especially in blueberries. This element participates in the activation of cell multiplication and elongation and is a structural component of the cell wall. It serves to protect the plant cell from the outside and participates in its electrostatic balance. It is essential for the foliar and root growth of the plant and its lack or deficiency causes a decrease and even an arrest of this growth.

It also influences the growth of the pollen tube and regulates cell aging. One of its most important functions is that it can act as a second messenger within the seedling, since it participates as a cellular messenger through a protein called calmodulin.

Blueberry deficiency 

The researcher and academic expert, Jorge Retamales, explains that “the plant continuously receives various stimuli, such as salinity, toxicity, fungi, ph, so it has to react to such stimuli to survive, and how does it do it? Through a mobilizing signal from Ca, which when activated sends messages to the different organs. ”

Despite the fact that the blueberry fruits require low concentrations of Ca, it is normal to find deficiencies of this mineral in the crop, and it is largely due to the fact that this species does not have radical hairs, which leads to its absorption capacity. is very limited.

Complex handling

The topic is studied by many researchers and farmers linked to the export of fruit and they conclude that Ca applications can produce contrary effects to what is expected if they are not done correctly.

According to Retamales, the blueberry defines an order of priorities when delivering carbohydrates to its different parts. "First there is the fruit, then the sprouts, and finally the roots, if there are enough carbohydrates they will reach everyone, but if there is a shortage, the components with the lowest priority (roots) will be severely affected, and even if the fruit load is excessive it can Ca concentration will be affected, since the roots will grow little and will not be able to absorb enough. Consequently, there will be little accumulation of the mineral in the fruit, ”Retamales maintains.

How to apply, when to apply, where to apply, how much to apply ...?

Professor Retamales has participated in various investigations on the subject, both in Chile and abroad. His research work on the correct application of Calcium in blueberries has been carried out on soil, fruits and leaves, and on different varieties of blueberries, so he has vast experience in the field and accumulates a lot of information to share.

To go deeper into this topic, the Wednesday 15 of July There will be a free webinar sponsored by the company Stoller Chile "Experts in plant physiology and nutrition", where the international researcher from the University of Michigan, Dr. Jorge Retamales, will talk about "Calcium: Physiology and effects on the quality of the blueberry". The webinar will begin with a talk where the results of tests of 2 seasons of Stoller products and their use in Blueberries will be presented: "Experiences with hormonal therapies in the performance and quality of fruit in blueberries".

The webinar is scheduled simultaneously for 11:00 hrs Chile, 10:00 hrs Peru, 10:00 hrs Mexico and 17:00 hrs Spain.

To register for the webinar enter the following link:

For more information contact us at:

contact@blueberriesconsulting.com

+56 9 3469 3871

Source
Martín Carrillo O. - Blueberries Consulting

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