A lot of variables that contribute to optimising crop performance. With the aid of biostimulants this variability can be significantly mitigated. Next gen Calibra Carbo is part of that.
Calibra Carbo - the next gen bio stimulant helping crops reach their potential
As all growers and orchardists know, there are a lot of variables that contribute to optimising crop performance. And the balance is often very fine. Too much or too little of anything can affect crop productivity, and some factors, like the weather, we have little ability to control.
Ryan Pierce, UPL NZ Ltd Regional Manager Lower North Island, says with the aid of biostimulants this variability can be significantly mitigated. The result is improved crop vitality and output. “It’s thinking beyond the usual without discarding it. Biostimulants are something additional, which add extra value.
“NPK is always going to have its place at the centre of how we grow, but advances in science are giving us new tools. These allow us to get more performance out of everything from stonefruit to pipfruit to kiwifruit and grapes, without negatively impacting the soil microbiome or the environment.”
Next gen biostimulant Calibra Carbo
Ryan says new Calibra Carbo can be of particular benefit when trees or vines are under pressure because of heat stress or extreme wet weather. “It’s a wonderful product.”
Calibra Carbo is a next generation GoActiv biostimulant that provides the amino acids and macro nutrients necessary for optimum crop health. It combines a concentrated seaweed extract derived from Ascophyllum nodosum with 100% plant-based amino acids and macro nutrients.
Ascophyllum nodosum is a naturally nutrient rich, high-quality seaweed. It is harvested from the Northeast Atlantic regions of France and Ireland by hand with a knife, leaving 25-30 cm of plant intact to regrow. Harvested areas are left alone for a period of two years between harvests to ensure Ascophyllum nodosum is available for future generations. Within 24 hours the material arrives and is processed at UPL’s factory in St Malo, France, using a cold process with physical extraction (crushing and micro-crushing). No heat is used. This is to preserve the valuable active molecules of Ascophyllum nodosum.
The addition to Calibra Carbo of amino acids, the building blocks of cellular function and protein manufacture, help increase plant, tree, and vine metabolism, enhancing growth and providing better resilience at times of stress.
Strong confidence in Calibra Carbo
Alex Easton, UPL NZ Regional Manager Upper South Island, says there’s strong confidence in the product. “You get better plant health and better plant access to nitrogen and other nutrients as well as enhanced photosynthesis. Calibra Carbo also helps plants withstand environmental extremes.
“In grape vines, it boosts growth. Especially if they’re recovering from stress events like heavy rain. It also enhances flowering and fruit set.”
He says spring, which is when vines are especially vulnerable, it can help them get through weather challenges and set vineyards up for strong canopies and a successful season ahead.
“Seaweed isn’t new. It’s been used for centuries but this particular seaweed is exceptionally mineral-rich. Adding amino acids takes it up a notch again and that’s going to have significant benefits for growers. Trials1 have shown that. The ability to stimulate root growth goes a long way to optimising plant performance.”
Calibra Carbo is compatible with most fungicides and is absorbed through the leaves of plants. It is most effective applied when plants are in active growth periods. Calibra Carbo works on many crops and is physically compatible with most fungicides and insecticides. When mixing, add Calibra Carbo to the tank last, and shake well before use.
