Cultiva's Parka

From the Ag Information Network, this is today’s Fruit Grower Report.

 

With tree fruit season fast approaching, growers will again worry about the chance of weather extremes they’ll need to deal with in their orchards.

 

Cultiva’s North American Sales Manager, Thiago Moraes says they have a healthy solution called Parka to improve tree health, growth and fruit production, but Thiago, how is Parka different than other fruit protection? …

 

MORAES-1 = Parka is a proven plant health solution that enhances the fruit and leaf cuticle. This crop cuticle supplement is comprised of a patented blend of phospholipids designed to reduce microfractures to minimize cracking from rain, improve fruit finish, reduce post-harvest disorders as well as provide sunburn protection.

 

• The uniqueness of Parka relies in its three novel modes of action that help protect the plant and improve production. Growers are familiar with mineral-based coatings, but Parka differs in its translucent and residue free formulation.

 

• Not only does Parka enhance the existing plant cuticle, sealing microfractures and forming a barrier to unwanted moisture and pathogens, it also minimizes the production of negative oxidative compounds while encouraging the production of antioxidants and improves overall photosynthesis.

 

Q: So Thiago, how does Parka help improve the fruit quality and the marketable yields growers are looking for?

 

MORAES-2 = The cuticle is a plant’s first line of defense between the environment and the epidermal cells. It protects against environmental and physiological stress early in development through cell elongation when fruits and vegetables are expanding rapidly in size. Lack of an adequate cuticle can negatively impact fruit quality and increase the potential of physiological disorders, such as sunburn and cracking.

 

• Parka supplements the plant’s cuticle with an additional layer of protection that reduces both fruit microfractures and cracking and increases water repellency. Parka’s novel mode of action (MOA) allows plants to use solar radiation for photosynthesis instead of promoting the development of oxidative compounds that cause sunburn.

 

• When used proactively, Parka helps to reduce culls, fruit cracking and sunburn damage while improving

overall fruit finish and quality. It also increased abiotic stress tolerance and improved overall plant health.

 

Q: And if this sounds interesting, how can growers effectively work Parka into their existing orchard management programs?

 

• Growers can see the best results by supplementing the cuticle early to set the fruit up for success when environmental stress occurs. A healthy cuticle has the ability to defend against excessive water uptake or drought and sunburn from harmful UV radiation while also decreasing a plant’s susceptibility to attacks from fungi, pathogens and pests.

 

• Establish a strong foundation program by starting early with Parka and continuing applications through fruit sizing to reduce physiological disorders and enhance water flow in developing fruit.

 

• Parka can be tank mixed with many products so it can be easily incorporated into spray programs. This means less passes and tractor time to protect your crop. Because Parka is exempt from MRLs, it can be applied at any time with zero re-entry interval or pre-harvest interval.

 

Thanks Thiago! Appreciate your time. And for you, visit cultiva.com to connect with your local sales rep.