Information provided by Phytech’s Head of Agronomy, Ziv Attia, PhD
As the season progresses and September unfolds, many California growers begin to wind down, while citrus growers find themselves in one of the most critical periods of the growing season: Stage II fruit growth.
This is the phase where the focus shifts from the trees' overall vegetative growth to the fruit's development and quality. After months of carefully nurturing the trees through the season's early stages, now is the time to ensure that the fruit receives the optimal amount of water and nutrients to achieve target size, quality, and sugar content (TSS/BRIX).
Stage II is a defining moment for citrus fruit development. Rapid cellular expansion during this period determines the fruit’s final size, shape, and quality at harvest. Effective management of irrigation and nutrients becomes crucial, as any imbalance can significantly impact the crop's potential. To navigate this pivotal stage, Phytech offers advanced technology that empowers growers to optimize orchard performance, make data-driven decisions, and maximize their crop's potential.
Empower Growers for Optimal Harvests
Like every crop, growing citrus is a delicate balance between science and art, and Phytech’s fruit sensors have made that balance easier to manage, as at this point in the season, precision is key. Phytech’s real-time monitoring tools provide growers with valuable fruit growth and size data, enabling them to make informed decisions to maximize harvest quality.
Here’s how Phytech’s tools empower citrus growers:
Fruit Sensors: These real-time sensors monitor fruit size and growth rate, offering key insights into the development of the crop. By tracking growth closely, growers can intervene at the most critical moments, adjusting irrigation and fertigation to enhance yield quality.
Dendrometers: Throughout the season, dendrometers measure trunk growth and monitor Maximum Daily Shrinkage (MDS), which reflects water stress levels in the tree. Early in the season, they help ensure trees are thriving, and as the fruit matures, dendrometers continue to track water demand, providing a full picture of tree health. Growers can even limit tree growth without affecting fruit size, optimizing overall resource use.
Soil Sensors: Precise moisture management is vital during Phase II, and Phytech’s soil sensors take the guesswork out of irrigation. By monitoring 6 soil profiles from 6 inches to 36 inches, growers can target water to the active root zone - where it actually counts. These sensors help growers maintain the perfect balance, avoiding both over and underirrigation. The result is more consistent fruit size and quality across the orchard.
Irrigation Sensors: Even with the best irrigation plan, execution is everything. Phytech’s irrigation sensors monitor water applications in real-time, tracking both duration and pressure. This allows growers to quickly identify and correct issues in irrigation systems, ensuring water is delivered efficiently, even to hard-to-reach areas. With accurate data, Phytech helps ensure that no drop is wasted.
Together, these sensors form an integrated system that allows citrus growers to manage their operations with precision. By taking the guesswork out of irrigation and fertigation, Phytech empowers growers to optimize water usage, enhance fruit quality, and make timely decisions that lead to successful harvests.
Tailored Solutions for Every Plot
No two plots are the same, and that’s where Phytech excels. Whether you manage a small grove or a large citrus farm, Phytech’s sensors adapt to your specific needs, providing real-time data that guides swift, informed decisions. By tailoring irrigation and nutrition strategies to each part of the orchard, Phytech ensures optimal growth for every tree. From varying soil types to diverse topography and microclimates, Phytech offers a complete 360-degree view of your farm, enabling personalized care across the entire operation. This approach boosts average yield and overall orchard performance, making Phytech the ideal partner for citrus growers.
Reach out to a CSM if you have any questions or are interested in how Phytech can maximize your crop's potential.
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