NutraPark, Inc, 3225 Deming Way, Suite 140, Middleton, WI 53562, Phone: 209-663-7569, Email: Jcanestrino@nutrapark.com
Commercial strip trials and replicated plot trials completed in 2004 determined the correct rate and timing of application for MT300, MT350, and MT487 on Allium cepa. The products are proprietary phospholipid formulations derived from soybeans or egg yolks. Onions were evaluated for total yield increases, marketable yield increases, size (grade) shifts, internal color (red onions only), internal quality (number of growing points) and storability. Trials in Georgia indicated MT300 has the potential to increase total yield and shift the grade curve, increasing the percentage of larger onions in the harvest. Trials in California demonstrated MT350 as well as MT300 potentially increase total yield and shift treated onions into a larger size category. Trials in Washington showed a positive trend for increases in yield and size as well as an improvement for internal color in red onions using MT350 followed by MT487. These products have been in commercial use for the last several years in the United States and are expanding into Mexico, Chile, Europe and South Africa. MT300, MT350, and MT487 have consistently improved plant productivity in a wide range of fruit and vegetable crops including melons, cherries, apples, citrus and peppers. The improved productivity increase returns to the grower by improving yields, maturing and coloring crops earlier and more evenly, shifting crops to larger size grades, improving skin quality and internal firmness and extending shelf-life. Based on data from commercial and research trials done in 2004, MT300, MT350, and MT487 offer growers new tools for increasing plant productivity.
to the 2004 National Allium Research Conference Home Page