Use of kelp on blueberries is beneficial

The use of natural plant biostimulants is an environmental-friendly way to mitigate a wide range of abiotic stress factors that can be used effectively to enhance root development, nutrient use efficiency, flowering, plant growth, fruit set and general crop productivity in blueberries.

Seaweed, or sea bamboo, is a macro-algae and for centuries humans have utilised it for animal feed, medicine, and fertilisers. Modern science has taken this miracle plant from the sea and developed processed products in the pharmaceutical, industrial, nutritional, and agricultural industries.

Due to increasing consumer demand, farmers have no choice than to explore more natural products and methods to increase productivity.

The uniquely South African species, Ecklonia maxima, is found only at the southern tip of South Africa where they grow in the strong currents along the coastline. The high nutrient content, clean water and robust wave action cause the sea bamboo to grow fast and simultaneously absorb the required nutrient elements, which can be transferred to other plants.  Because Ecklonia maxima has a high concentration of growth promoter hormones it can be used to produce a powerful natural biostimulant.

“The increasing popularity of biostimulants derived from nature arises from their ability to enhance agriculture productivity by stimulating natural processes in the plant and in soil, using substances and microbes already present in the environment. We are in proud partnership with the ocean to bring you sustainable agricultural solutions,” says Salo Minnaar, Commercial Director Afrikelp™.

Sea bamboo (or kelp) is especially high in the growth regulator auxin. All plants, on land and sea, naturally contain the growth hormones auxin and cytokinin which are always in flux to help plants grow. By spraying kelp on plants, the plant is triggered to produce more cytokinin causing improved root and shoot growth as well as more even flowering, fruit set and fruit colouring.

In a study evaluating the potential benefits of using different biostimulants in blueberries that is funded by the Oregon Blueberry Commission in the US, David Bryla, a research horticulturalist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service says that preliminary findings from research into the use of biostimulants in blueberries are proving positive. https://www.capitalpress.com/specialsections/innovations/researcher-studies-biostimulants-for-blueberries/article_f6d2ccaa-c450-11e9-85c1-a78baef61383.html

In their natural setting, blueberries never needed to develop water and food-seeking roots.  The roots, therefore, form a shallow mat near the soil surface with fine fibrous roots without many root hairs. Roots seldom extend beyond the drip line of the bush.  Applying Afrikelp™ LG-1, the plant receives increased access to nutrients due to the enhanced root growth of the plants. This also helps to decrease stress in the crop caused by water shortages, disease, or other environmental impacts.

Easy application makes the use of Afrikelp™ LG-1 especially beneficial. It can be applied via foliar application, drenching, boom, or drip irrigation. It can also easily be mixed with other plant protection or plant feed products.

According to Marinus Neethling, fruit farmer and Production Director of the well-known Komati Fruit Group, Afrikelp™ LG-1 is used as part of their standard recipe when establishing a new crop.  “For blueberries, which is a sensitive crop, the application of Afrikelp™ LG-1 helps to reduce stress in the early stage of the plant’s life as well as during season,” he says.

The following general recommendations can be used for the application of Afrikelp™ LG-1 on blueberries.

• At planting. Young plants can be drenched in a 1 to 2% dilution of the product and can be repeated after 14 days. These applications are to improve plant establishment and to increase root development.
• Post-planting. A foliar spray two weeks after planting is recommended and can be repeated at 14-day intervals. These applications will enhance root development and help to further establish the plants and help them through those first couple of weeks when they are very vulnerable.   About 4 – 6 applications are recommended, depending on the stress levels of the newly established plants.
• During flowering. When the flowers are at the pink bud stage, a foliar application can be done twice with a 14-day interval. These applications are meant to increase fruit set but will also help with fruit retention.
• Fruit set. While the fruit is growing, three foliar sprays at 14-day intervals are recommended. These applications will improve fruit size, as well as help to achieve quality parameters.
• Post-harvest. After harvesting, one or two foliar sprays can be done to support the second root flush growth to increase root tip numbers. It will also help to improve nutrient uptake to build reserves.

Improving the size and colouring of blueberries is enhanced with our scientifically formulated application guidelines.  All our recommendations are based on field experience and trial results worldwide. It is, however, important to also consider genetics and the specific environment when planning the applications. Each recommendation should be adapted to local conditions as well as the varieties, soil, environment, and fertilization programmes. Afrikelp recommends the additional use of surfactants with the foliar spray for better product uptake. The pH of the final solution should be below 7.

Please contact your local supplier/advisor for additional technical assistance.

Find out how to best use Afrikelp™ LG-1 during every stage of the planting process, click here: http://afrikelp.com/fruits-and-nuts/blueberries/.

Contact us to harness an ocean of benefits for your crops.  Always read the product label and follow the recommendations on the label.

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