Effects of a biostimulant foliar system (SANOVITA/STEFES) on fruit yield and yield components in pear (Pyrus communis L.) production

Abstract

Pear (Pyrus communis L.) is cultivated throughout Greece but mostly on the regions of Central Macedonia and Thessaly. It’s production have declined during the last decades because of low productivity and problems caused by fire blight and Pear Sawfly (in Greek: Psylla). Modern fertilization schemes go beyond the application of base fertilization using complex fertilizers providing usually only macro nutrients. Foliar application of macro and micro nutrients, as well as biostimulant and amino acids derived by plant and seaweed extracts are used to boost plant growth and development during periods with high nutrient demands or to overcome stressful or unfavorable conditions, often due to better nutrition [or] an elevated tolerance on pests. On this study the application of such products, more specifically products of SAVONITA/STEFES, will be examined to determine their effects on yield, fruit size and the infection rate of Hoplocampa brevis, in case of severe infestation only. The foliar application of the specialized fertilization products of SANOVITA/STEFES resulted on higher yields and in the case of four applications, to better quality (higher fruit weight). Due to the significantly higher yield and fruit size, this product it is highly recommended to be included in the management scheme on pear orchards.