Cultiva - Sunburn and Fruit
From the Ag Information Network, this is today’s Fruit Grower Report. Extreme temperatures can take a toll on Washington fruit production and with hot summer months right around the corner, growers could be facing challenges like sunburn on the fruit.
With us again is Thiago Moraes, North America Sales Manager for Cultiva. So, Thiago, why is sunburn such a growing concern for apple and pear growers in Washington?
• Washington’s climate is ideal for growing high-quality apples and pears, but more frequent extreme heat events have increased the risk of sunburn.
• Intense sunlight and high temperatures can cause irreversible damage, impacting fruit quality and marketability.
• With premium fruit prices at stake, growers need effective solutions to protect their crop without compromising fruit finish or requiring extra labor.
So, what are the best strategies for preventing sunburn, and how is Cultiva different?
• Traditionally, growers have relied on evaporative cooling or particle-based sun protectants like kaolin clay or calcium carbonate, which create a white film on the fruit.
• Unlike traditional methods, our product Parka ids a transparent solution that helps maintain fruit quality and protect against sun damage without affecting color identification or requiring wash-off.
So, as we head into another potentially hot season, what’s your advice for growers?
• Start early with an integrated approach – monitor weather, manage irrigation and use proactive tools.
• This proactive approach not only reduces sunburn risk but also contributes to healthier, more marketable fruit at harvest.
As always Thiago, thanks! And remember, visit www.cultiva.com for more or contact your local sales rep.
