Foliar fertilisation in sweet cherry cultivation is now a widespread practice, as macro- and micronutrients have a positive effect on both fruit yield and quality.
These water-soluble fertilisers are typically applied through drip irrigation systems (fertigation) or foliar spraying.
A recent study conducted in Moldova analysed the impact of nanotechnology-based foliar fertilisation on the productivity and quality of Kordia cherry cultivar, grafted onto Gisela 6 rootstock and grown in an intensive orchard layout with 4 x 1 m spacing.
Nanotechnology and nutrient composition
Yield and environmental impact
In treated trees, production increased 14.9-16.5 per cent in 2023 and by 23.8-30.1 per cent in 2024 compared to the control group. In 2023, yields reached 18.11 t/ha, while in 2024, despite less favourable weather conditions, including heavy rains and high temperatures during ripening, yields remained high, peaking at 10.82 t/ha compared to only 8.32 t/ha in untreated trees.
Nanotechnology Enhances Fruit Quality and Yield
Moreover, there was a notable increase in the proportion of fruits with a diameter greater than 30 mm, rising from 43.5 per cent in the control group to between 52.1 per cent and 57.9 per cent in the treated groups.
the relationship between fruit diameter and weight showed a strong linear correlation (R2 > 0.93), confirming that an increase in size translates directly into an increase in mass.
The study demonstrates nanotechnology-based foliar fertilisation with micronutrients is effective not only in boosting yields but also in improving sweetening and fruit size.
Published: 2026/01/01 09:34:43
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