Labin Energy Grow in almond tree, Lleida

Evaluation of cold damage reduction efficacy.

Essay

Location: Llardecans, Lérida, Spain.

Crop: Prunus dulcis (Almond) variety “PENTA” on “INRA GF-677” rootstock from commercial nurseries, planted in spring 2017. The management of the experimental plot (irrigation, fertilization, pest and weed control) was carried out in compliance with the Integrated Production standards of (Resolution ARP/1883/2018). The planting frame was 5m x 6m and the training system used was the classic vase. The trial was based on the application of LABIN ENERGY GROW at three different doses (3, 5 and 10 L/ha). These three treatments were compared with a TEST without applications. No other type of phytofortifier, phytoregulator, biostimulant or nutrient was applied during the study period.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the product LABIN ENERGY GROW for the reduction of cold damage in the almond crop.
Dates: April 2021-September 2021.

Applications: A single application of the product was made, on recently set fruit (phenological stage H) at three different doses.

An application program was designed to be able to carry out all frost cycles in the controlled environment chamber in as few days as possible and to have as many fruits as possible at the same phenological stage. The product was applied by foliar application, simulating a conventional application by means of a high pressure motor pump machine, with an approximate consumption of 700-800 liters/ha. Leaves and fruits were wetted without reaching the “run-off” point.

For each frost cycle or temperature, 15 mixed bunches per treatment were collected. Mixed bunches of the same length, of the same tree height and with a similar number of fruits were chosen. Once cut, the bunches were placed in plastic bags that were sealed and identified with the name of the treatment and the simulation temperature. Subsequently, the samples were stored until they were subjected to the corresponding frost simulation.

In order to obtain a sufficiently wide gradient of frost damage to allow a correct analysis of the data, 5 frost levels were simulated at -1, -3, -5, -7 and -9 ºC. Frost simulations were conducted at 24 and 48 hours after application.

Results

Phytotoxicity

No phytotoxicity or alteration was observed during the course of the trial, neither in leaves nor in fruits, attributable to the application of any dose of the product tested.

Evaluation of fruit set

After 48 hours of the frost simulation, the degree of affectation of each fruit was observed. For this purpose, 5 categories were established according to the type of damage observed, based on the specific damage assessment methodology cited in “Síntomas específicos provocados por las heladas primaverales en frutales de pepita y hueso” (Specific symptoms caused by spring frosts on pome and stone fruit trees) of MAPA (1998).

Conclusions

The product LABIN ENERGY GROW did not show any phytotoxicity at the doses and times applied under the test conditions.
The product LABIN ENERGY GROW applied at 10 L/ha and 48 hours before frost, showed an effect of damage prevention on recently set fruit, reducing mortality between 13 and 26%, with significant differences compared to the other doses tested.
LABIN ENERGY GROW provides protection of newly set fruit from spring frosts. This protection is based on the biostimulant effect of micronutrients and betaines, which physiologically prevents damage caused by low temperatures through the formation of soluble solids that lower the freezing point of flower and fruit cells.