Applying good science to the problems facing Australian fruit and vegetable growers - and developing effective, sustainable solutions - is a philosophy that has paid off for both Crop Care Australasia and the horticulture industry.
A standout product during last summer’s extreme conditions was the liquid sunscreen Parasol - protecting fruit, vegetables, trees and vines from heat and moisture stress. This has become a practical consideration for all fruit and vegetable growers aiming to maximise the yield and quality of marketable produce.
Last summer was unprecedented for apple growers, for example – both for the amount of fruit damaged, and the degree to which apples were sunburnt.
Similarly, sun damage had a major impact on Australian winegrape yield and quality - ranging from complete loss of bunches to potential effects on the quality of grape juice and subsequent wine.
Growers of apples, cherries, other stonefruit, winegrapes, olives, almonds, citrus, capsicums, melons, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, cocoa seedlings and vegetable seedlings - from West Australian, Northern Territory, north Queensland, to Victoria, and South Australia - successfully used Parasol last summer to prevent sun damage to produce, and to protect seedling plants from wilting and death.
Extensive trial information on Parasol Liquid Sunscreen was collected last season on apples, winegrapes, tomatoes, pineapples and avocados, which will be passed on to growers ahead of the coming season.