Research has demonstrated that the plant cuticle plays a significant role in overall crop health and quality.
It has become clear that the physiological role of the cuticle extends well beyond its primary function as a transpiration barrier, playing important roles in processes ranging from development to interaction with microbes.
In effect, a plant cuticle functions much like human skin, in that it protects the plant from losing too much water, as well as serving as a barrier against certain bacteria, fungi, and environmental stress.
Its film covers both the top and bottom of leaves of the plant, encapsulating the uppermost layer of plant tissue. A healthy cuticle is one of the foundations for a healthy plant and quality crop.
SureSeal™ technology
Cultiva™ has a proprietary technology called SureSeal™ designed to supplement the cuticle of fruit and foliage.
Originally developed by researchers at Oregon State University, SureSeal is now used commercially (sold as Parka™) on multiple high value crops to:
- suppress rain cracking
- improve fruit quality and finish
- increase marketable yields
- reduce environmental stress.
SureSeal–based products are exempt from tolerance and do not require registration at a state or federal level as they are non pesticide products.
SureSeal’s unique blend of phospholipids acts in three different ways to supplement the cuticle of the plant:
- Enhances the fatty acid composition of the fruit and alters the ratio towards higher unsaturated vs saturated type of fatty acids
- Reduces the dioxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, also known as LOX activity
- Increases the fruit antioxidant capacity and reduces hydrogen peroxide accumulation.
In combination, the above actions result in lower membrane lipid peroxidation, better cell integrity and ultimately increased crop quality and shelf life.
For more information, contact Russell Fox phone 0407 366 526
email
www.insense.com.au
See this article in Tree Fruit July 2017
