Growing Better Lettuce
Reducing Tipburn
Tipburn is a physiological disorder affecting lettuce as a direct result of calcium deficiency. It affects the appearance of the lettuce and reduces shelf life. Internal Tipburn isn’t so easily observed but can lead to bacterial infections that can cause a crop to be unmarketable. High temperatures and agronomic practise can accelerate Tipburn problems as rapid growth can cause nutrient transfer problems even when calcium is readily available within the plant. The principal problem is moving the calcium to the part of the plant where it is most needed – the areas where Tipburn occurs. Treatments of PiNT calcium early in the plants establishment will provide a good controlled nitrogen uptake with sufficient calcium to satisfy the plants general requirements. Subsequent applications of InCa ensure that calcium is moved to the areas in most need of calcium to eliminate/reduce Tipburn.Improving growth in stressful conditions
During extremes of temperature the lettuce plant experiences stress that creates oxidative toxins within the cell structures. Calcium is utilised by the plant to neutralise these toxins by drawing it from the cell walls. This reduces cellular integrity and can ultimately lead to ruptures that allow disease ingress and a subsequent rapid deterioration of the plant ending in death unless the stress is removed. Treatments of InCa direct calcium to the cell walls in the most vulnerable areas and increases calcium content making the plant better able to endure stress for longer periods.Improving size and weight
Strong cellular structures retain greater volumes of nutrient rich sap that feeds the plant and makes it less susceptible to disease. PiNT calcium and potassium supply nutrients in a controlled nitrogen uptake complex and InCa delivers calcium to areas where it is most needed within the heart of the lettuce and the tips. Potassium is particularly important in the formation of a strong healthy heart. Resultant stronger healthier plants grow with more controlled vigour, are larger and heavier with increased calcium content in the leaves.Coping with sodic soils and improving root structure
If plants are growing on salty or high sodium soils, it is likely that the crop is experiencing root decline. The root system can be reinvigorated using PiNT Calcium that will improve root growth and health, and suppress sodium uptake. Improving root health is also beneficial in reducing nematode attack. It will also improve drought tolerance – allowing water use to be reduced. This is important for quality.Improving quality and shelf life
Shelf life of the tuber is influenced by ethylene, which encourages the breakdown of compounds that bind together the cells in the lettuce leaves, and weakens cell walls. By helping the plant cope with stress through the season the cells become less susceptible to ethylene following harvest – thus increasing shelf-life and improving other quality aspects. InCa and PiNT Calcium will reduce the impact of stress on the crop.Rates and Recommendations for Lettuce:
PiNT CalciumSoil application – Up to 300L/Ha/season split into applications of 10-30L.
Foliar application – 5-10L/Ha or 1% spray solution (spray to run off).
Timing: Soil -15-20 day intervals from 4 leaf stage. Foliar – spray after each flowering.
PiNT Potassium
Soil application – Up to 100L/Ha/season split into applications of 10-30L.
Foliar application – 5-10L/Ha or 1% spray solution (spray to run off).
Timing: 15-20 day intervals from 4 leaf stage.
Speedo Saxon
Application Rate – Foliar – 2-3L/Ha in minimum 100 litres of water. Alternatively use a 0.5% spray solution and spray until run-off. Avoid spraying in direct sun.
Timing: 15 day intervals from 4 leaf stage to harvest.
InCa
Application Rate – 1L/Ha either as a foliar spray (minimum 100L water spray volume) or through drip irrigation or fertigation systems.
Timing: For temperature stress - apply at 20 day intervals during periods of extreme high and or low temperatures.
For improved shelf life apply 7days before harvesting
