Nutrient Suppliers Share Their Insights

For growers, proper plant health is the first step to running a profitable business. That’s why fertilizers and plant growth regulators are such important inputs to consider.

The editors of American/Western Fruit Grower and American Vegetable Grower caught up with Chapman Mayo, president of Agro-K; Rod Riech, sales and marketing coordinator at Brandt Consolidated; and Jerry Stoller, CEO of StollerUSA, to get their thoughts on the most effective application methods and the future of the plant nutrition category. Here’s what they had to say:

What are the key attributes you look for when developing fertilizers for fruits/vegetables?

Riech: When developing new products for the fruit and vegetable market, we usually look at unique chemistries that really bring value to the market and a positive return on investment for the user. We look at how they can be incorporated into existing nutrient programs and enhance the physiological characteristics, as well as increase the overall health of the plant.

Mayo: The first factor we look at when developing a new fertilizer or PGR is, will it add value to the grower, and can we quantify that value? Secondly we look to see what market fits there would be for the product in question. There are many factors to consider: applicable crops, market size, application timings, product cost, etc. We also look at what competing products may be on the market and whether or not we can effectively differentiate ourselves from the competition.

Stoller: Stoller’s product developments are usually related to problems and improvements that are requested by growers. They normally fall into three different classes: problems with a fruit or vegetable quality, the increasing of the plant’s resistance to many diseases that are common in various fruits and vegetables, and the increase in crop yield.

What do growers tell you they need in a fertilizer/PGR?

Riech: Bottom line, they are looking for a positive return on their investment. That could be increased yield, increased quality and shelflife, increased plant nutrition, etc. They want to see the value we can bring to the table.

Stoller: (Growers) want to use products that deliver both quality and quantity of yield, which enables the plant to overcome the stress that occurs for temperature, moisture, sunlight, and potential disease infections.

Mayo: Growers that are really focused on improving their crop quality and continuous innovating are looking for products that 1) perform better than what they are currently using, 2) have good tank mix compatibility with other products to save time and field trips, and 3) can increase their profitability.

What type of application method(s) do you recommend for your product(s)?

Stoller: The method of application depends upon the problem a grower wants to overcome. If the problem has to do with fruit or vegetable quality, normally, the product must be foliar applied at the correct timing so that these problems can be reduced or eliminated. If the grower wants to achieve higher yields with longer harvesting periods, the product must be applied directly to the plants’ roots. If any problem appears on the plant that needs to be immediately corrected, the best method of applying products would be as a foliar application. Most of these applications are intended to correct plant growth problems for a short period of time. Many times this foliar application needs to be repeated. However, if the grower applies the proper material to the roots of the plant, many of the above-ground plant problems will never appear.

Mayo: We concentrate on foliar application for all specialty crops to ensure we can effectively and efficiently meet peak demand for specific nutrients ahead of key physiological stages of plant growth.

Where do you see the future of the plant nutrition category headed?

Riech: I believe there will be an increased focus on plant nutrition in the near future. In the fruit and vegetable market, plant nutrition is essential for proper development, increased yield and quality, to fight off pest and environmental pressures, increased nutritional value, etc. There are many variables, such as color, uniformity, shelflife, etc. that plant nutrition also plays a key role in. We are also starting to see researchers looking at the nutritional value that can be extracted from certain fruits and vegetables, and how proper plant nutrition is directly related to the nutritional content of fruit or vegetables.

Stoller: The plant breeders and genetic plant manipulators have created plants of enormous yield potential and also the potential to resist both insects and diseases. When these highly developed genetic traits are planted in a normal field environment, only 30% to 35% of the genetic capability of these plants are realized. Products must be developed that will increase the plants’ performance. The future products that are developed must be able to enable the plant to achieve maximum genetic expression in any type of climatic or soil condition in which these plants are grown and cultured.

Mayo: I see three main drivers. 1) Growers looking to do more with less inputs — in short, increased efficiency. 2) A big focus on understanding how fertility impacts plant health and disease. 3) More focus on balancing plant nutrition which will drive demand for micronutrients.