The research aimed to evaluate the effect of the Botan Foliar product on the production and quality of fruit in Santina cherry trees grafted on Colt rootstock. For this purpose, an experiment was implemented at Agrícola El Coigüe, located in La Javierana, San Fernando, VI region.
The product applications and evaluations were conducted during the spring of the 2023-24 season. The evaluated parameters were: production, productivity, and fruit quality at harvest and post-harvest.
The results obtained in this experiment allow us to conclude that, although statistically significant differences were not found between the evaluated treatments, trends were observed in treatments that included applications of Botan Foliar at a dose of 3 liters/ha.
These trends were reflected in a higher percentage of fruit with calibers of 26 and 28 millimeters, an increase in kilograms per tree, and a higher percentage of dry matter in the fruits. These results suggest the potential beneficial effect of applying Botan Foliar to cherry trees.
To evaluate the effect of the Botan Foliar product on productive parameters and fruit quality in Santina cherry trees.
The experiment took place at Agrícola El Coigüe, located in La Javierana, San Fernando, VI region.
| Month | Chill Hours (7.2°C) | Chill Portions | Precipitation (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 48 | 7 | 50 |
| May | 156 | 18 | 30 |
| June | 238 | 17 | 146 |
| July | 358 | 22 | 87 |
| August | 135 | 20 | 231 |
| September | 135 | 19 | 94 |
| October | 102 | 8 | 40 |
| November | 12 | 6 | 47 |
| December | 3 | 0 | 0 |
*Data obtained from the field meteorological station during the 2023-2024 season.
At Agrícola El Coigüe during the 2023-24 season, an application of hydrogenated cyanamide was carried out on the Santina variety on July 25, 2023.
| Variety | Rootstock | Year of Planting | Planting Density | Conduction System | Soil Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santina | Colt | 2016 | 4.5 x 2.2 | Central Axis | Loamy soil with a moderate percentage of stones |
| Treatments | Product | Number of Applications | Dosage | Application Date | Application Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | No equivalent application | ||||
| Botan foliar 1 | Botan foliar | 4 | 3 l/ha | 20/10/2023 | Leaf fall |
| 27/10/2023 | 7DD of 1st | ||||
| 03/11/2023 | 7DD of 2nd | ||||
| 10/11/2023 | 7DD of 3rd | ||||
| Botan foliar 2 | Botan foliar | 4 | 3 l/ha | 16/10/2023 | Flowering |
| 23/10/2023 | 7DD of 1st | ||||
| 30/10/2023 | 7DD of 2nd | ||||
| 06/11/2023 | 7DD of 3rd | ||||
| Variable | Measurements | Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Standardization | ASTT | Measurement of trunk perimeter at 20 cm from the graft union |
| Count of branches, shoots, and twigs | Total count of shoots, branches, and twigs per tree | |
| Production | Kg of fruit/tree (per m2 and cm2) | Fruit harvest from selected trees |
Productivity | Number of fruits/tree (per m2 and cm2) | Fruits per plant relate the average fruit weight and kilograms of fruit per plant with the average fruit weight per plant. |
| Fruits per m2 obtained through the relationship of fruits per plant and planting density | ||
| Fruits per cm2 obtained through the relationship of fruits per plant and ASTT | ||
| Caliber | Weight and diameter of the fruit | Weight and diameter measurement, 100 fruits per repetition |
| Quality | Hardness | Resistance to penetration with a durometer, 50 fruits per repetition |
| Soluble solids | Concentration of soluble solids expressed in °Brix, 50 fruits per repetition | |
| Color | Color chart, 100 fruits per repetition | |
| Post-harvest | Firmness | Resistance to penetration with a durometer after storage in a refrigerator at 0°C for 45 days, 50 fruits per repetition |
| Condition of the pedicel | Assessment of pedicel dehydration on a scale from 1 to 4, 100 fruits per repetition |
The treatments were distributed in randomly assigned row sections under a completely randomized block design (CRBD). Each of these corresponded to an experimental unit within which a plant was selected as the observational unit for measurements of each variable. The number of repetitions per treatment was 5.
A statistical analysis was conducted in which comparisons between treatments for each variable were made using analysis of variance and mean separation through general and mixed linear models. The goodness of fit of the selected models was evaluated using the "Akaike Information Criterion" (AIC) and "Bayesian Information Criterion" (BIC) selection criteria.
| Treatments | ASTT (cm2) | Number of Branches/Tree | Number of Shoots/Tree | Number of Twigs/Tree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T0 | 195.6 a | 24.4 a | 496 a | 2.6 a |
| T1 | 177.4 a | 27.6 a | 449 a | 3.4 a |
| T2 | 211.3 a | 23.2 a | 498 a | 3.4 a |
| p-Value | 0.517 | 0.133 | 0.171 | 0.716 |
| Importance | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s |
*Average trunk cross-sectional area (TSA), number of branches, shoots, and twigs per tree in the control treatments (T0), Botan foliar 1 (T1), and Botan foliar 2 (T2) at Agrícola El Coigüe, San Fernando, region VI. Season 2023-2024.
**Means with a common letter are not significantly different (p > 0.05). n.s = not significant; *=significant.
The results obtained indicate that there are no statistical differences between the various treatments, confirming that the observed units are homogeneous. This ensures that any statistically significant difference that may emerge later is not influenced by any of the four variables that mainly represent the tree structure or its productive potential.
The harvest was carried out on December 5, 2023.
| Treatments | Kg/tree | Kg/m2 | Kg/cm2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| T0 | 20.6 a | 2.1 a | 0.11 a |
| T1 | 22.8 a | 2.3 a | 0.13 a |
| T2 | 21.5 a | 2.2 a | 0.10 a |
| p-Value | 0.732 | 0.732 | 0.250 |
| Importance | n.s | n.s | n.s |
*Average kilograms per tree, kilograms per square meter, and kilograms per square centimeter for the control treatments (T0), Botan foliar 1 (T1), and Botan foliar 2 (T2) at Agrícola El Coigüe, San Fernando, region VI. Season 2023-2024.
**Means with a common letter are not significantly different (p > 0.05). n.s = not significant; *=significant. Kg/m2 = obtained from the ratio of kilograms per tree and planting density. Kg/cm2 = obtained from the ratio of kilograms per tree and TSA.
The table shows the average amount of kilograms harvested in each treatment on the day of harvest. Although no statistically significant differences were detected, a slight advantage in total kilograms was observed in treatment 1.
| Treatments | Number of Fruits/Tree | Number of Fruits/m2 | Number of Fruits/cm2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| T0 | 2,518 a | 254 a | 13.4 a |
| T1 | 2,742 a | 276 a | 15.4 a |
| T2 | 2,287 a | 231 a | 11.0 a |
| p-Value | 0.522 | 0.522 | 0.117 |
| Importance | n.s | n.s | n.s |
*Average number of fruits per tree, square meter, and square centimeter for the control treatments (T0), Botan foliar 1 (T1), and Botan foliar 2 (T2) at Agrícola El Coigüe, San Fernando, VI region. Season 2023-2024.
**Means with a common letter are not significantly different (p > 0.05). n.s = not significant; *=significant. Number of Fruits/Tree = Number of fruits/tree= is related to the average weight of fruits and kilograms of fruits per plant. Number of fruits/m2= is obtained from the ratio of fruits per plant to the plantation frame. Number of fruits/cm2= is obtained from the ratio of fruits per plant to the ASTT.
No significant differences were found for the analyzed variables in any of the conducted projections.
| Treatments | Fruit Weight (g) | Red Color | Dark Red Color | Mahogany Color | Firmness (durofel) | Soluble Solids (°Brix) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T0 | 8.2 b | 15.8 b | 54.9 a | 29.3 a | 77.5 a | 14.0 a |
| T1 | 8.5 ab | 18.8 ab | 28.8 a | 52.5 a | 78.5 a | 14.2 a |
| T2 | 9.3 a | 16.6 b | 43.8 a | 39.6 a | 77.5 a | 14.7 a |
| p-Value | 0.112 | 0.819 | 0.154 | 0.276 | 0.837 | 0.553 |
| Importance | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s |
*Fruit quality expressed in weight, color, firmness, and soluble solids for the control treatments (T0), Botan foliar 1 (T1), and Botan foliar 2 (T2) at Agrícola El Coigüe, San Fernando, VI region. Season 2023-2024.
**Means with a common letter are not significantly different (p > 0.05). n.s = not significant; *=significant.
Upon analyzing fruit quality for the evaluated treatments, no statistical differences were found for the variables of fruit weight, color, firmness, and soluble solids.
| Treatments | Caliber 22 | Caliber 24 | Caliber 26 | Caliber 28 | Caliber 30 | >=26 | >=28 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T0 | 26.4 a | 35.6 a | 28.2 b | 8 b | 1.8 a | 38 b | 9.8 b |
| T1 | 27.5 a | 26.5 b | 29 ab | 12.8 ab | 4.3 a | 46 ab | 17 ab |
| T2 | 11.0 a | 23.4 b | 38.4 a | 22.6 a | 4.6 a | 65.6 a | 27.2 a |
| p-Value | 0.128 | 0.032 | 0.088 | 0.111 | 0.244 | 0.088 | 0.111 |
| Importance | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s |
*Particle size distribution in millimeters for the control (T0), Botan foliar treatments.
**Means with a common letter are not significantly different (p > 0.05). n.s = not significant; *=significant. >= Segregation including the size and the subsequent larger one.
Regarding the evaluation of calibers for each treatment, it was possible to observe a numerical superiority for treatment 3 with a higher percentage of fruit in the 26 and 28 millimeters calibers, although without statistical significance.
After harvesting, the fruit was stored in a refrigerated cell for 45 days at 0°C, aiming to simulate travel conditions.
| Treatments | Hardness (durofel) | S/P | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Rot | Fungi | Pitting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T0 | 72.1 a | 2.3 a | 18.3 a | 68.3 a | 9.7 a | 1.3 a | 1.3 a | 1.7 a | 1.7 a |
| T1 | 71.1 a | 6.7 a | 19.3 a | 69.0 a | 4.3 a | 0.7 a | 2.3 a | 1.3 a | 2.0 a |
| T2 | 70.4 a | 3.2 a | 20.4 a | 63.6 a | 10.6 a | 2.2 a | 4.8 a | 1.4 a | 2.4 a |
| p-Value | 0.259 | 0.322 | 0.538 | 0.329 | 0.328 | 0.455 | 0.184 | 0.689 | 0.849 |
| Importance | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s |
** Average fruit hardness, pedicel condition, rot, and pitting, after a cold storage period for 45 days at 0°C for the control treatments (T0), Botan foliar 1 (T1), and Botan foliar 2 (T2) at Agrícola El Coigüe, San Fernando, VI region. Season 2023-2024.
**Means with a common letter are not significantly different (p > 0.05). n.s = not significant; *=significant. S/P = no pedicel; pedicel dehydration scale 1 = intense green 4 = dehydrated.
The table shows the results obtained by analyzing various variables at the end of the refrigerated storage period. No statistical differences were recorded between treatments.
| Treatments | Total N | Total P | Total K | Total Ca | Total Mg | Total Zn | Total Mn | Total Fe | Total B | Dry Matter (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T0 | 132.5 a | 10.6 a | 112.0 a | 7.0 a | 5.9 a | 0.03 a | 0.04 a | 0.14 a | 0.32 a | 12.4 a |
| T1 | 135.7 a | 12.4 a | 118.1 a | 7.3 a | 6.5 a | 0.04 a | 0.04 a | 0.15 a | 0.37 a | 13.8 a |
| T2 | 158.4 a | 11.4 a | 123.0 a | 6.8 a | 5.9 a | 0.03 a | 0.04 a | 0.14 a | 0.34 a | 14.7 a |
| p-Value | 0.147 | 0.564 | 0.455 | 0.956 | 0.827 | 0.580 | 0.999 | 0.844 | 0.731 | 0.177 |
| Importance | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s | n.s |
*Nutritional content analysis of fruits in the laboratory for control treatments (T0), Botan Foliar 1 (T1), and Botan Foliar 2 (T2) at Agrícola El Coigüe, San Fernando, VI region. Season 2023-2024.
** Means with a common letter are not significantly different (p > 0.05). n.s = not significant; * = significant. Values expressed in mg/100g fresh fruit.
The nutritional content analyzed in the fruits of each treatment showed no statistical differences. However, a higher dry matter content was recorded in the fruits of the Botan Foliar treatments.
| Treatments | USD/kg | Gross kg/ha | Net kg/ha | USD/ha |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T0 | $2.3 | 20,814 | 18,733 | $42,426 |
| T1 | $2.5 | 22,980 | 20,682 | $49,209 |
| T2 | $3.2 | 21,707 | 19,536 | $64,780 |
*Commercial analysis of yield per hectare based on the production of the 2023-24 season in control treatments (T0), Botan Foliar 1 (T1), and Botan Foliar 2 (T2), considering the average prices of grades for the 2022-23 season at Agrícola El Coigüe, San Fernando, VI region. Season 2023-2024.
**USD/kg = obtained using the average price of grades for the 2022-23 season. Gross kg/ha = obtained by projecting the kilograms harvested and plants per hectare. Net kg/ha = gross kilograms per hectare minus 10%. USD/ha = obtained from the average price per kilogram for exported fruit.
Conducting a commercial analysis projection for each treatment, T1 and T2, which included Botan Foliar applications, obtained a higher return per hectare.
The results obtained in this experiment, along with the soil and climatic conditions of the orchard and the season in which it developed, allow concluding that statistically significant differences favoring treatment T2 (Botan Foliar applications from hood fall) were found, highlighted by a lower percentage of 24-millimeter fruit and a higher percentage of fruit with sizes equal to or greater than 26 millimeters compared to the control treatment.
Furthermore, significant trends favoring treatment T2 were observed in various aspects. These trends included an increase in kilograms of fruit per tree, an increase in the average fruit weight, higher levels of soluble solids, a higher percentage of dry matter, and a higher economic return per hectare in treatment T2 (Botan Foliar), surpassing T0 by 51%.
Regarding T1 (Botan Foliar applications from hood fall), there are no significant differences in productive parameters and fruit quality at harvest time. However, significant trends favoring treatment T1 (Botan Foliar) were observed in various aspects.
In particular, the following results are highlighted: an increase in the quantity of kilograms of fruit per tree, a higher percentage of fruit with mahogany red color, higher fruit firmness in numerical terms, a higher proportion of fruit with sizes equal to or greater than 26 and 28 millimeters, as well as an increase in dry matter content.
Furthermore, a 15% higher economic return per hectare than treatment T0 was recorded. Although these differences did not reach statistical significance, the observed trends highlight the potential of Botan Foliar applications from hood fall in improving fruit production and quality.
Source: "Evaluation of the effect of the biostimulant Botan Foliar on the productive and qualitative parameters of the Santina variety," Botanitec.
Image: Battistini Vivai
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