Australia is renowned for its high-value fresh produce, which is driving an ever-booming export market.

With growing conditions continuing to be unpredictable, cherry growers are looking for ways to ensure production of premium quality fruit and consistent yields to tap into export markets worth approximately $80 million annually.

According to published research, the characteristics of cherries that appeal most to consumers are size, sweetness, firmness and juiciness.

Premio, by AgNova Technologies, is a nutritional specialty product that optimises cell membrane elasticity and permeability, while maximising fruit size and quality and may assist in the reduction of fruit cracking, says AgNova technical officer Cameron Stone.

Premio is a unique product that supplies key nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), as well as supplying the required fatty alcohols to assist the plant during fruit development.

Mr Stone said extensive research on trees treated with Premio showed improved fruit set percentages, higher fruit quality parameters and reductions in cracked fruit compared to untreated trees.

He said to optimise performance, Premio must be used in a program commencing just after fruit set.

“Applying Premio early in the crop, around early fruit cell division, means maximum cell numbers per fruit are produced. Therefore, later in the crop, water can be distributed among a greater number of cells, thereby reducing fruit susceptibility to cracking.

“Begin applications from fruit set onwards, i.e. crop stage BBCH 72: green ovary surrounded by dying sepal crown, sepals beginning to fall.

“Continue applications at an interval no greater than 10–15 days. Ensure an application is made 14 days prior to harvest.

“To optimise your fruit quality and maximise your fruit size this season, speak with your local agronomist and partner your spray program with Premio!” Mr Stone said.