Safeguard soil fertility and promote the development of seedlings.

One of the most important and less evident aspect in the nutritional management of crops concerns the enhancement of natural soil fertility.

The improvement of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soils can only be achieved through actions aimed at increasing microbial activity, expanding the volume of soil explored by the roots and improving the exchange capacity within the rhizosphere.

Critical factors.

All these factors stand in stark contrast to what are instead the most frequent and obvious problems for vegetable growers:

• Progressive decline in soil chemical characteristics.
• Loss of soil structure.
• Inactivity of radical activity.
• Lack or absence of biological activity in the soil.

These are the main causes of difficult starts for crops, for which treatments with traditional fertilizers are ineffective.

During winter, additional stress factors such as snowfall, night frosts, sudden drops in temperature and presence of cold soils can lead to a harvest reduction ranging from 30 to 100%, causing serious consequences on the economy of the affected farms.

The experience of Cifo

Cifo solutions result from over 50 years of research and development in the field at the service of sustainability in plant nutrition.

To overcome the issues related to poor soil quality and fertility, Cifo provides two specialties, Radicifo and Cifoumic, that work in a complementary way through the action of plant extracts, humic and fulvic acids, and other bioactive substances.

The solutions

RadiCifo
Soils lacking organic matter are usually affected by bad structure and the circulation of both air and water is difficult.

This is also a limitation for the activity of soil microorganisms, which mineralize organic substances and make available to plants important macro and micro nutrients thus increasing the soil fertility.

Especially, in some critical stages such as after transplanting and during the reproductive phase it is important to sustain the crop by both improving soil organic matter and promoting root growth that leads to an improvement of nutrient absorption.

In all those situations, the use of RadiCifo is Cifo’s best and most effective solution.

RadiCifo is a bio-promoter of plant growth based on plant extracts rich in nutrients, carriers (phytosaponins) and with anti-stress action (glycin betaine).

Due to the synergistic action of these ingredients, RadiCifo improves the development and the absorption capacity of roots and stimulates balanced plant growth.

During field tests Radicifo was also shown to be effective in maximizing the absorption of associated fertilizers.

In soils with high level of salinity caused by sodium, Calcisan can be used in association with RadiCifo

Cifoumic
Humic and fulvic acids contained in Cifoumic act positively on soil fertility and exert a biostimulant action in the soil strengthening the activity of soil microorganisms, but not only.

Used in fertigation it allows the plant to increase the development of absorbent roots and thanks to a complexing-like and protective activity, improve absorption of nutrients such as phosphates, iron and other microelements.

When used in soils where difficult conditions persist, especially the presence of xenobiotics or harmful substances (herbicides, antibiotics, heavy metals, etc.) Cifoumic performs a “detoxifying” and neutralizing action that allows to complete the crop cycle even on soils where particularly intensive crops are practiced..

Fertilization plan for the olive tree: Nutrition interventions to sustainably stimulate flower induction, improve fruit setting and increase potential yield.

The weeks that have just ended represent that moment of the year when the phase of appearing flower buds has reached its end.

During this phenological phase, it is possible to witness the complete appearance of the characteristic flower buds in the orchard which, grouped in cluster-shaped inflorescences, turn from green to bright white, forming the so-called blossom of the olive tree.

Once the phase of appearing of flower buds is over, the inflorescences now reach their maximum size but the flowers are still closed. Right at this moment, a time window opens which lasts until the second half of June until the complete fruit set.

A moment in which it is necessary to provide the plant with the correct mix of nutritional elements it needs, in such a way as to ensure the correct completion of the flowering phase, to support the biochemical reactions that regulate the subsequent fertilization process of fruit set and the uniformity of growth of the drupe.

The critical aspects that need to be considered to define the nutritional strategy

During the stage of appearing flower buds, various stress factors can directly damage the tissues of the olive inflorescence, with negative repercussions on the final production.

Events such as late colds or sudden temperature changes, for example, can damage the development of the ovary and the stylus, leading to an impoverishment of pollen fertility and flower drops.

Even at the end of this stage, factors such as dry winds and high temperatures can cause dehydration of the stylus and drying of the stigma.

On the other hand, excessive humidity or prolonged rains can compromise the uniformity of opening of the anthers and cause a washout of the stylar tissues even after pollination is complete.

The Cifo strategy to enhance flowering and fruit set.

To optimize these delicate phases, the protocol implemented by Cifo technicians is divided into three consecutive steps corresponding to three different agronomic targets:

• To stimulate and uniform flowering process.
• To ensure regular flower fertilization and fruit set.
• To mitigate the adverse effects caused by abiotic stress factors.

The nutritional specialty successfully used to promote the development and uniformity of inflorescences is Ert 23 Plus.

A bio-activator containing a mix of plant extract, seaweed extract, folic acid, and glycine betaine. Used by the foliar application until the petals fall. This bio-activator is essential during the phases preceding flowering.

It promotes the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acid which are required for cell division so it positively has an impact on the processes of cell division and differentiation. Components such as glycine betaine mitigate the side effects due to the intense metabolic stress of flowering and fruit set.

Boron deficiency	Fruit set phase

To avoid phenomena of poor fruit set and fruit drop it is important to intervene during the phase of pollination.

In this period, factors such as pollen germination and the pollen tube formation can represent a bottleneck for productivity if not properly managed.

For this purpose, the use of Mikrom BZn formulation from pre-flowering up to full flowering is effective in preventing and curing any boron and zinc deficiencies that may occur especially in calcareous soils.

Boron stimulates the fertility of pollen and which, together with Zinc, makes the plant more resistant to environmental stress. It is necessary for the biosynthesis of auxins and lignin.

For both products indicated, the stability of the formulations allows combination with other pesticide products, except mineral oils, oil-based insecticides, fosethyl-al, and dodine, so the application can also be carried out along with treatments against olive fruit fly, olive moth, olive peacock spot, jasmine moth, and other pests and pathogens.

To ensure vitality of crops.

In order to provide practical solutions to cultivation in soils where difficult conditions persist, it is necessary to understand what is at the basis of the balances established in the plant – soil system.

For this purpose, Cifo proposes a strategy that represents the result of years of collaboration between universities, research centers and its own agronomic service, developing sustainable bio-formulates, which integrate prebiotic and probiotic actions able to positively enrich and balance the microbiome of the rhizosphere.

Behind the effectiveness of these formulas, lies the combined action of probiotic compounds and useful microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria or their metabolites.

Following this same logic, two products have been developed: Blok L and Blok Sinergy. They represent the star – products used in synergy to ensure vitality of crops in difficult soils. But what are their strengths that distinguish them from other products on the market? Let’s find out by summarizing the characteristics that make them unique.

First of all, we refer to these specialties considering them as bioregulators with pre and probiotic function able to make crops produce at their maximum capacity even in extremely difficult soil conditions, with the presence of soil adversities.

By favoring the relationship between the plant and beneficial soil microorganisms (mutualism),

Blok L and Blok Sinergy promote radical development and functionality, fortifying the natural barrier effect of the rhizobiome

Presenting the first specialty that makes up the Cifo strategy, Blok L can be described as a bioformulate characterized by a dual mechanism of action: it acts simultaneously through a prebiotic action towards the soil microbiome and an action to support the root system exerted by substances of natural origin that generate a constant renewal and invigoration of damaged organs.

The ones we are talking about are the terpene compounds, commonly found in nature as substances produced by the secondary metabolism of plants.

The same compound also possesses, among the various biological functions, the peculiarity of making inhospitable the radical zone weakened by the presence of soil adversities.

We were able to integrate these natural properties in formulation by implementing them through TE. CO. technology (Terpenic Compounds) in combination with the pure extract of Macrocystis integrifolia seaweed.

This interaction also gives the bioformulate a strong anti-stress activity that allows those who use the product to complete the harvest with satisfaction and, to the plant, to carry out its normal cycle even when difficult conditions arise in the soil.

The product finds the best effectiveness always used in combination with Blok Sinergy a specialty in which Pochonia clamydosporia spores are present: a microorganism that in the soil behaves like an endophyte, favoring the absorption and translocation into the root of the terpenes present in Blok L.

The product acts as a hen as a probiotic, an action that is carried out radically through an exploration of larger spaces in the soil. The plant benefits in the form of greater growth and greater resistance to the conditions that may hinder its development.

In addition, the microorganisms contained in the formulation colonize the rhizosphere and regulate the soil microbiome. They promote and improve plant development

Strategy of application.

By favouring the relationship between the plant and beneficial soil microorganisms (mutualism), Blok L and Blok Sinergy promote radical development and functionality, fortifying the natural barrier effect of the rhizobiome.

Applied in a synergistic strategy in fertigation, Blok L (prebiotic) and Blok Sinergy (probiotic) preserve optimal production and quality levels, even in the presence of soil adversities.

An essential ingredient in food processing.

Nowadays, it is hard to find a product on shelves that doesn’t say “it contains hazelnuts” because this nut is an essential ingredient in food processing, especially sweets.

Hazelnut tree cultivation owes its remarkable success thanks to a lower cost/revenue ratio for farmers and better agronomic performance than the typical crops present in the same area – a perfect marriage for market and producers.

In order to generate income and at the same time guarantee a consistent quality of the production, it is essential to formulate a correct nutritional plan that takes into account, for all areas, the real needs of the cultivation at all stages.

Hazelnut excellence.

The flowering and fruit set phases are one of the most crucial phases which is very important to support plants by biostimulants to enhance plant metabolism and improve resistance to environmental stress.

At Cifo, our priority is to find solutions for better yield and to overcome problems – this way it was developed the “Hazelnut excellence” – initiative, where a working group of experts dedicated to hazelnut tree cultivation share experiences and develop new solutions using Cifo specialties.

Discover our solutions.

The two solutions proposed represent the result of years of experimentation and field trials carried out on hazelnut in different areas of Italy and abroad by the Cifo technical support and crop specialists.

In all areas the use of Ert 23 Plus has shown excellent results becoming the reference specialty for an excellent uniformity of flowering and an improvement of fruit set.

Ert 23 Plus unique formulation allows synergy between its components with biostimulant action.

Ert 23 Plus contains seaweed and plants extracts and enriched with glycine betaine and folic acid that supports cell division processes and plant metabolism during the delicate reproductive stage.

Cold returns and late frosts at the end of March can compromise the physiological conditions of the plant during the flowering and fruit setting phases.

Through the use of Algacifo 3000, based on seaweed extract and other components purely of vegetal origin, the plant is stimulated to react and overcome situations of environmental stress typical the flowering period.

A product with truly unique characteristics on the market: rich in biologically active substances with anti-stress and osmo-regulating function that have demonstrated remarkable results in the field during reproductive stages.

Algacifo 3000 contains high concentrations of vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides, proteins and enzymes of plant origin with a strong anti-stress effect.

Moreover, Ert 23 Plus contains glycine betaine and well complement the anti-stress action of Algacifo 3000.

Ert 23 Plus and Algacifo 3000 are allowed in organic farming according to the European Regulation.

For more information about the cultivation and to discover the entire nutritional range dedicated to the hazelnuts for each phase of the cultivation cycle, we invite you to contact Cifo.

Increase the Brix degree, polyphenol content, and color intensity in red wines with the Cet 46 Green and Cifo KS 64 formulations used during the grape ripening phase.

During the ripening phase, complex physiological adaptations take place by the plant which exposes itself through a transformation in the shape and composition of the berry, with important changes in the color and composition of the aromatic substances present in the skin and pulp of the berries.

Years of protocols developed in the most important Italian oenological realities have shown that this phase is strictly influenced by specific environmental conditions (soil and climate), so it is essential to take care of every aspect that may influence the final result.

To obtain the best quality, in the cellar as well as in the bottle, it is, therefore, necessary to operate at different levels, starting from the field through control of the nutritional aspects that involve the soil-plant system, ending in the cellar, in the vinification phase, adopting the right precautions which allow to obtain the desired sensory characteristics and to avoid abundant sulfite or other external additions.

Ensure an adequate nutritional intake to your plants.

It is essential at this stage to ensure the plant has an adequate nutritional intake, preventing any stress or deficiencies that may affect the final quality of the grapes and musts.

Through the application of the Cifo agronomic protocol, you can benefit from the synergistic action of two specialties that can be used by the foliar application: Cet 46 Green and Cifo KS 64.

The 2 formulations, acting in synergy, have the great advantage of completing the nutrition of the vineyard through an innovative action mechanism that allows you to act simultaneously on multiple agronomic targets.

In particular, they act on:

• Uniformity of ripening within the bunches;
• An improvement in the physiological maturation of the berry and grape seeds;
• Better composition of the phenolic profile of musts, with positive reflections on the hue and color indices.

The products of our protocol

Cet 46 Green, is an organic specialty containing amino acids and micronutrients specifically formulated to standardize and improve the ripening processes of fruit and vegetables.

Applied during the final stages, it improves the physiological processes involved in the biosynthesis of ethylene and the pigments responsible for the coloring of the fruits.

The micronutrients present in the formulation also act as catalysts for the metabolism of sugars and fatty acids.

Cifo KS 64 is a formula specially created to provide cultivations with POTASSIUM and SULPHUR, in a totally assimilable shape.

The innovative formula, thanks to the physiologically acid reaction and the presence of specific carriers with a complexing-protective action is characterized by an extraordinary absorption and translocation capability both on a leaf and root level.

Cifo KS 64 is rich in L-Proline, a natural amino acid that can promote fruit and vegetable coloring during the cycle’s final stages.

Applying Cifo KS 64 leads to improving the quality of the final production: sugar content, color, pulp consistency, smells, and aromatic substances.

The climatic incidents.

At the basis of every cultivation system, there is the need to control and manage the main determining parameters namely soil, light, fertility, and temperature, each of these in turn influences or is influenced by one single vital element, water.

The impact of this element has lately been studied much more as now we more frequently are witnessing dry springs characterized by harsh temperature ranges and followed by periods of torrential rains which represent the prelude to long summer with scorching temperatures, these are situations that now more often happen in each agricultural season and cause direct damage to the crops, such as destruction of the leaves, yellowing, lodging, and different types of stress.

If the trend of the last 10 years is followed, in the coming months we will witness frequent and severe drought periods, especially in western Europe and the Mediterranean area, and consequently increasing water supply shortage in the crop production seasons.

In fact, in some areas, for instance, in several Italian provinces, farmers are already dealing with the increase in irrigation water cost and this will inevitably lead to an increase in final production costs as well.

Therefore, a proper strategy represents a fundamental tool for guaranteeing income to farmers and assuring supply for the agro-industry sector.

drought	Flooding

What are the symptoms and mechanisms involved?

High temperatures and scarcity of water lead to the closure of the stomata by the plant in order to limit the dehydration of the plant tissues, at the same time, the plant also slows down the metabolic processes, including those involved in the absorption of nutrients and photosynthesis.

When this condition continues over time, the roots lose the ability to absorb the little residual water in the soil and soon after that, the aerial tissues begin to losing of turgidity, withering, and showing visible signs of chlorophyll degradation like yellowing.

If the situation continues like that, could lead to partial or complete leaf fall, the chlorophyll content is, in fact, one of the most used indicators to evaluate the level of metabolic imbalance in plants subjected to water stress.

Plant transpiration diagram

Cell turgor and reduced evapotranspiration: the two key points of the Cifo strategy

The solution presented by Cifo is a protocol developed in the field which aims at maximizing water use efficiency by applying 3 main considerations

These three parameters made it possible to identify the nutritional matrices that present the best relationship between effectiveness and cost containment with a view to maximizing the economic return on investment for the farmer.

The result of this research has led to the selection of a commercial formulation obtained with technologies with less environmental impact: Macys BC 28, the formulation of this product makes it possible to take full advantage of the seaweed extract which has positive effects on evapotranspiration, the accumulation of Osmo-protectors inside the plant cells and increasing cell turgor.

A specialty in action

Macys BC 28 is a powerful biostimulant that can also be used in organic farming made up of 100% concentrated Macrocystis integrifolia seaweed juice, capable of positively influencing the physiology of the plant and providing the foundations for overcoming all the stressful moments of the period.

The presence of numerous biologically active substances naturally contained within the seaweed, in particular laminarins, betaines, and alginates, induces the overexpression of some genes involved in stress control mechanisms, such as the synthesis of ABA and antioxidants, the nitrogen metabolism and photosynthesis process.

All these physiological modifications allow the mitigation of oxidative stress and better efficiency in the use of water (greater stomatal conductance and better photosynthetic activity)

A high-resolution photo of the underside of a vine leaf – comparison of different treatments on cell turgor

Standard Farm treatment	Cifo treatment

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Challenges posed by the climate on crops.

The influence of climate change on global agriculture is becoming more evident and now in this time of the year in some parts of the world, we are observing early frosts.

Abrupt temperature changes and unpredictable weather patterns impose stress on plants, affecting both the quality and quantity of production.

A unique biostimulant of its kind.

In climates characterized by instability, the utilization of biostimulants becomes vital to assist plants in sustaining their physiological equilibrium.

For aiding crops through the winter season, an optimal solution is Macys BC 28: a concentrated extract derived from Macrocystis integrifolia seaweed.

The seaweed utilized in producing Macys BC 28 thrives in the deep, cold, and pristine coastal waters of British Columbia, Canada.

It is abundant in essential components such as vitamins, amino acids, laminarins, alginates, and natural hormones, all of which contribute to enhancing productivity and bolstering resistance against challenging environmental conditions.

The extraction process employs a low-temperature mechanical method, ensuring the preservation of all the biological characteristics of these substances.

Macrocystis Integrifolia production process

Cifo’s approach to combat early frosts.

Cifo’s strategy to combat early frosts involves the use of Macys BC 28.

Cifo KS 64 and Macys BC 28

This biostimulant, enriched with a variety of biologically active substances, boosts the plant’s physiological and metabolic functions, thereby elevating its resilience to environmental and physiological stresses, including cold waves, water and nutritional imbalances.

To safeguard against frost damage, it is advisable to implement a series of repeated interventions, providing support to the plant during its most vulnerable periods.

It is recommended to apply Macys BC 28 in conjunction with Cifo KS 64, a specialized nutritional product that can be used through foliar application.

Cifo KS 64 not only supplies assimilable forms of potassium and sulfur but is also enriched with L-Proline, contributing to the development of more robust and environmentally stress-resistant plants.

The combined effectiveness of both products enhances the plant’s ability to withstand abrupt temperature fluctuations and revitalizes its physiological and biochemical response mechanisms following frost episodes.

This aids the plant in swiftly restoring its optimal vegetative and productive development.

Cifo Solutions to get better results in yield and organoleptic characteristics.

The tomato cultivation campaign is now in full swing. Here in Italy, as well as elsewhere, the transplants are now almost concluded while still remaining the planting of the later varieties with harvesting at the end of September.

The problems to be faced in the current season confirm the trend of the last few years: a market characterized by close competition, thinner margins for producers due to growing energy costs and revenues that strictly depend on high levels of yield, uniformity of size and grade, plus an optimal Brix at harvest.

These aspects are increasingly sought after by processing companies and by consumers themselves who require preserves and products of national origin, characterized by a remarkable service value, high shelf life and quality guarantee.

It is therefore easy to understand that, if the market requires new quality standards, for the entrepreneur there is a need to grasp all the innovations implemented through agronomic research, in order not to be left behind and undergo the same standards, seeing them more as constraints than as distinctive factors.

2 specialties in synergistic action.

The Cifo Solution for industrial tomatoes provides for the use of 2 specialties in synergistic action, each of these with a specific agronomic target:

To reduce vegetative excesses and increase the quantity of dry matter at harvest, improving industrial yield, the use of Cifo KS 64 has proved to be particularly effective, the formulation is rich in Potassium, Sulfur, organic acids and L-Proline, a natural amino acid particularly useful in situations of water-saline stress affecting the plan

Berries with better qualitative characteristics when harvested, increasing and standardizing the ripening at the same time, are obtained using Cet 46 Green, an organic product that allows to activate the natural mechanisms that favor the metabolism of sugars and fatty acids, as well as the synthesis of anthocyanins and carotenoids, this translates into a better color of the berry, a higher degree of Brix and a better uniformity of ripeness at the date of harvest.

Cet 46 Green is ideally used in combination with Cifo KS 64, which allows it to support the metabolism of plants precisely in the phase in which the energy demand reaches its peak, to standardize maturation, obtaining an increase in all qualitative parameters.itativi.

Thanks to the climate changes we are witnessing, the return of cold weather now represents a considerable risk in viticulture.

Rising winter temperatures in average scale, determines an early opening of the buds in spring.

All this would not be harmful if the temperatures remained constant but, as we are often witnessing, the sudden changes in temperature that occur in these periods are increasingly frequent.

Moreover, with a drop in temperatures of a few degrees the future vegetative development of the plant can easily be compromised, as the young newly formed tissues are unable to withstand exposure to temperatures that are too low for plant physiology.

What are the dangers deriving from cold returns?

Various phenological models demonstrate that this is by now a trend destined to become a constant.

Frequently, these phenomena can involve vast surfaces or even entire territories, with consequences that have repercussions both on an economic level and on the growth and yield of the plant in the future seasons.

The frequency and severity of these sudden changes in temperature represent two parameters of fundamental importance for understanding the need to adopt sustainable and effective prevention measures and, if the climate were to follow the trend of recent years, in the next few weeks the thermometers could drop again below 5 °C and very likely, it will be necessary to intervene to avoid serious damage in the field.

What does this mean?

The thermal decrease leads to freezing of the water present in the vacuoles of the cells of the buds.

This causes an increase in volume which, by breaking the membranes and cell walls, leads in many cases to cell necrosis. As mentioned, since buds contain future flower and leaf tissue, frost can have a major impact on wineries’ annual financial returns.

Prevention is better than cure

The degree of damage depends on the minimum temperature reached and on the duration of exposure to a critical temperature; the rate of temperature drop can affect the effectiveness of a protective action.

The critical temperatures for the vine differ according to the stage of growth: during the winter the dormant buds can resist, thanks to the “hardening” in the endodormancy phase, temperatures below -10°C (up to -20°C), but starting from the next few weeks, buds will be exposed to frost when they are opening and young shoots can be damaged at temperatures only slightly below 0°C.

In correspondence with these circumstances there is a “settling” of the tissues, proportional to the amount of water present in them and to the degree of lignification of the cells completed during the previous autumn.

For this reason it is essential to guarantee a correct nutritional intake also during the post-harvest phase, in order to avoid the risk that late frosts could compromise the survival of the flower buds of the following season.

In this regard, please refer to the article: the benefits of autumn fertilization

Guaranteed cold tolerance and yield with Cifo

As can be seen from the image below, the Cifo field protocol for vines takes into consideration the most important phenological phases in which it is necessary to guarantee a correct nutritional intake.

Field protocol for viticulture

In the circumstances described above (Phase 2), the support of biostimulant products is therefore essential, both to withstand climatic stress and to maintain the physiological balance of the plants.

The Cifo proposal: ERT 23 PLUS and SINERGON 2000

ERT 23 PLUS, is a natural bio promoter of plant metabolism which stimulates bud metabolism, thus encouraging more uniform sprouting and flowering.

Thanks to its special composition, ERT 23 PLUS acts as an osmotic protector, defending cells from damage caused by the cold and promotes plant metabolism, stimulating its growth even in adverse environmental conditions.

ERT 23 PLUS used in the bud breaking/wool bud stage, it stimulates and uniforms sprouting with the following advantages:

more balanced development of the plant; better architecture and photosynthetic capacity; reduction of apical dominance; greater flowering synchrony.

ERT 23 PLUS and SINERGON 2000

SINERGON 2000, a biopromoter of vegetative growth based on plant amino acids and brown seaweed.

SINERGON 2000 and ERT 23 PLUS used in synergy by foliar application from 4-6 cm bunch lenghts, intensify the physiological processes underlying the development of the bunches, which reach larger dimensions and obtain a better structure.

The contribution of nutritional, energy and anti-stress substances optimizes the development of the plant in the pre-flowering phases and helps to overcome abiotic stresses.

Table grape producers have always been attentive to the demands of consumers, which place an increasing importance on grape quality parameters such as high brightness, color intensity, high brix degrees, ripening uniformity and a long shelf-life.

Achieving all these objectives directly determines the commercial value of the product and therefore its profitability as well.

Cet 46 Green promotes the optimal degree coloration and maturation because it stimulates the synthesis of anthocyanins, carotenoids, and soluble solids in the berries, increasing the sugar content of the grapes without altering its shelf-life.

Cet 46 Green is a bio-promoter of fruit coloring, obtained from plant extracts that naturally stimulate the main physiological processes involved in ripening.

In particular, it is rich in methionine, the natural amino acid precursor of ethylene, the fruit ripening hormone.

Cet 46 Green also contains the precursor (phenylalanine) and the activator of anthocyanin synthesis (oxylipins), the pigments responsible for the development of color.

Besides, Cet 46 Green minimizes the required picking times, ​​this allows to optimize the time and the use of labor which leads to less expense for the farmer and increasing the number of fruits at the first picking.

This advanced ripening also gives a way to open the markets with a qualitatively flawless product and in higher quantities, obtaining higher prices and increasing the Gross Salable Production of the vineyards.

Cet 46 Green also increases the sugar content (° Brix) of the fruits that result in a sweeter fruit that is appreciated by the final consumer thanks to having monosaccharides.

Furthermore, it does not alter the fruit firmness, thus ensuring a long shelf life.

The effectiveness of the product by foliar application could be achieved when the verasion has already started. In fact, applying Cet 46 Green on totally green cluster has little or no efficacy.

The effects of Cet 46 Green can be optimized using with Cifo KS 64, a foliar fertilizer with a potassium content that acts synergistically.

The following timing and dosage of applications are recommended:

NOTES:

• In high production zones, or in areas with a known manganese deficiency, it is advised to use Magnesium Fast together with Cet 46 Green.
• Distribute Cet 46 Green in the morning, preferably on sunny days and dry plants.
• Apply evenly and avoid dripping

Where does this need arise?

In the recent years, more and more growers have understood the importance of autumn fertilization in their orchard, vineyard or olive grove.

Where does this need arise? In fact, it has been demonstrated, through scientific analysis and research, that the vegetative growth of the plant does not stop at the time of harvest, but continues till when temperature reaches about 10 ° C and below, to enter that phase called winter dormancy.

So, till this point, in fact, the plant continues to vegetate, and indeed it is in this period that it accumulates more nutrients to be used later on in the following spring during the vegetative regrowth phase.

More precisely, up to the end of complete leaf fall (until the end of October for the fruit trees and November for the vine) the plant through an intense radical activity absorbs nutrients which along with photosynthetic products will be translocated to the buds and branches and are reserved for the next season.

To ensure good fruiting in the following year, the accumulation of processed substances (sugars and amino acids in the first place), and of microelements within the buds, is very important to guarantee a good fertilization and fruit setting.

Another essential element to be supplied during autumn fertilization is Nitrogen, as it has been discovered that from the vegetative restart to flowering the absorption of this element is modest and the development of buds and flowering consequently occur at the expense of the reserves accumulated in the woody parts and in the roots during autumn absorption.

It should be emphasized that the winter organic fertilization is not able to replace the autumn fertilization and the ideal period to carry it out is between September – October, using fast-acting fertilizers.

The results that can be obtained from the autumn fertilization, supported by multi-year trials, are the better vegetative-reproductive growth balance, an increase in the fertility of flowering buds, an increase in production and finally a decreased alternate bearing which is the key point to maintain high and constant profitability of the orchard.

Another factor that should not be underestimated is the temperature: early autumn temperatures allowing good absorption (the important thing is not to drop below 10-12 ° C); the time of fertilization can also vary according to the crops: commonly by October for fruit trees and until November for the vine.

However, it is important not to mix up autumn fertilization with spring fertilization: the two fertilizations are complementary to each other, without one excluding the other; this must be taken into consideration in order to not exceed the fertilizing units envisaged by the annual fertilization plan.

Cifo, along with farmers and sustainable agriculture, always offers a variety of products in its portfolio to meet the different needs of different crops and climates.

Soil application

The most recommended products are Top N and Top NPK 7-5-14: both of these products are part of the Top Line, a line with the high nutritional efficiency and low environmental impact.

To produce the products of this line, the exclusive process FCH® (Full Controlled Hydrolysis) has been used which gives the possibility to have three fractions of organic nitrogen in these products with fast, medium and slow release which is one the reason behind their efficacy.

Besides, presence of APR® (Proteic Activator of Rhizosphere) stimulates the development of absorbent roots and improving the activity of beneficial rhizosphere microorganisms which ultimately leads to increased absorption and storage of nutrients by the plant.

All the products of the Top Line can also be used in organic farming in accordance with current legislation.

Foliar applications

Cifo recommends different products to have a proper solution for each type of particular need:

MACYS BC 28

Macys BC 28 is a biostimulant in accordance to Legislative Decree 75/2010, completely of vegetable origin, based on Macrocystis integrifolia, a brown algae typical of the western Canadian coasts.

The growing environment, the producing process and the nutritional properties of this algae make Macys BC 28 a product with unique characteristics on the market.

Thanks to its biologically active components, it positively influences the plant during physiological functions by improving cellular turgor, creating the conditions to withstand harsh winters.

MIKROM BZn

Mikrom BZn brings to crops Boron and Zinc, two essential microelements for the regular development of flowers and fruits, for protein and sugar metabolism, and for the strengthening of plant tissues.

The applications in the post-harvest are recommended to increase the resistance of the plant to low winter temperatures and to ensure having proper flowering and fertilization in the following spring.

In systems with soils where the plants have stunted growths with poorly developed branches, we recommend treatments by inserting a product that includes all the nutritional elements.

FLORAL 20-20-20

Floral 20-20-20, like all the formulations of the Floral Line, offers maximum efficacy in foliar application. Furthermore, the high purity of the nutritional elements contained, allows fast and complete solubilization.

Floral 20-20-20 allows the plant to be given the right amount of fundamental nutritional elements, including microelements, to restore the natural nutritional reserve and to better face the vegetative regrowth in the following spring.

We feed plants well before winter dormancy to make them work at their best at the vegetative restart.

The priorities of the period require a nutritional strategy to guarantee aspects such as uniformity of the bunches, berries enlargement and improved consistency.

These objectives require using specific products capable of acting on a biochemical level, supporting the delicate involved processes starting from this delicate moment up to the phenological phases close to harvest.

Cifo, which has been always aware of viticulture technical needs and developing nutritional specialties optimized for the sector, now proposing a complete strategy that has been proved through field trials giving the possibility of yield with high quality standards.

The strategy to gain these goals includes 3 specialties to be used by foliar application:

Macys BC 28

Organic plant biostimulant of completely natural origin, made up 100% of Macrocystis integrifolia seaweed extract.

It acts by counteracting abiotic stresses through a synergistic action of the components present in Macrocystis: alginic acid, betaines, natural growth promoters, fucoidan, laminarins, vitamins and mineral nutrients.

These components guarantee a balanced development and the preservation of a high cellular turgor even in moments of maximum demand, during severe temperature changes, drought, soil salinity and water-nutritional imbalances.

Cifamin BK

An enhancer of fruit growth consists of some plant extracts, seaweed extract and vegetal amino acids.

The result of their action in plant leads to increase the size of the berries, stimulate the processes of cell division and elongation.

It can be used in combination with Macys BC 28 to enhance its biostimulating action.

Calcisan Green

Biostimulant based on Calcium and Magnesium activated by the seaweed (Macrocystis integrifolia) extract which provides great fraction of calcium and facilitate its translocation within the plant tissues.

The use of Calcisan Green by foliar application has shown excellent effectiveness in terms of a significant increase in the elasticity of cell membranes, allowing to reduce damage of pulp and skin cracking.

The results obtained through various field trials of three products’ application showed:

• Greater resistance to environmental stresses and enhanced tolerance to temperature changes over spring – summer.
• Berries with excellent size and bunches with more uniformity.
• Greater production and final quality, improved resistance to harvesting and improved shelf life.