The most susceptible period for fruit cracking is in the last growth phase of rapid fruit expansion and when it rains near harvest.
However, the cuticle is deposited during the fruit’s growth Phase 1 from shuckfall to straw. The micro-cracks and imperfections in the cuticle develop during this time rendering the fruit more susceptible to cracking during the fruit fill stage.
The cuticle is a natural waterproof barrier that protects plant tissues from stress & environmental damage. Imperfections and micro-cracks in the cuticle intensify the stresses and strains of the cuticle during the rapid growth phase.
The components of Parka are very similar to the already existing cuticle. Parka is a phospholipid and polysaccharide-based product designed to supplement the naturally occurring cutin and waxy-layers of the plant’s cuticle. Its unique traits provide cracking protection, reduction in doubles and fruit quality reinforcement.
As Parka is a specialist cuticle supplement, it provides significant sunburn protection with reduce environmental stress to apples, and reduces cuticle and fruit skin damage such as russeting and wind rubbing on susceptible crops like pears, and blushed cherries.
Parka protects cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums apples, pears and avocado. All fruit cuticles are repaired, improved and enhanced for longer protection.
See this article and contact details in Tree Fruit August 2021
