This year we are conducting a battery of tests on the efficacy of Sphera and Triash and other preparations distributed by CERES. As we are the country’s leading producer of substrates and distributor of accessories for strawberry production, it was natural ?to take this production group under the magnifying glass? In May, we carried out a difficult test on introducing frigo strawberry seedlings of Elkat and Elsanta varieties into the vegetative stage. We used a substrate consisting of 50% de-acidified peat of 0-40 mm fraction and 50% CERES coconut substrate containing 20% long fibers. The plants were planted in 11 cm production pots. The test was conducted in a classic plastic tunnel, simulating the awakening of frigo strawberries in commodity fruit production and the production of commercial material for the spring hobby market.
The seedlings were planted late, on May 10. We obtained frigo, A-grade cuttings from a reputable producer, with the intentional, in the case of the Elsanta variety, ordering weak cuttings from the final reserve lots. The preparations were applied in various combinations, either by soaking the seedlings or by watering them on May 19, nine days after growth initiation.
The first evaluation was performed on May 22. The duo of Sphera and Triash showed positive effects on plant development, growth and activation.
Photo 1. Elkat strawberry seedlings, May 22; ST1 and ST2 – seedlings after application of Sphera and Triash, K – control seedlings, without application.
Photo 2. Elsanta strawberry seedlings, May 22; ST1 and ST2 – seedlings after application of Sphera and Triash, K – control seedlings, without application.
We conducted another evaluation on June 1. The impact of the preparations persisted.
Photo 3. Elkat strawberry seedlings, June 1; ST1 and ST2 – seedlings after application of Sphera and Triash, K – control seedlings, without application.
Photo 4. Elsanta strawberry seedlings, June 1; ST1 and ST2 – seedlings after application of Sphera and Triash, K – control seedlings, without application.
The last evaluation was conducted on June 18, after which the seedlings were handed over to hobbyists. The effect of applying the preparations was repeated in relation to previous evaluations.
Photo 5. Elkat strawberry seedlings, June 18; ST1 and ST2 – seedlings after application of Sphera and Triash, K – control seedlings, without application.
Photo 6. Elsanta strawberry seedlings, June 18; ST1 and ST2 – seedlings after application of Sphera and Triash, K – control seedlings, without application.
The test carried out showed that the application of Sphera and Triash both by soaking the frigo seedlings and by watering the growing plants had a positive effect on their growth and development. Plants were larger, grew faster (acceleration of phenological phases), entered flowering earlier and set stronger buds. Moreover, in the case of weakened Elsanta seedlings, the application of preparations proved to be crucial in their proper awakening and further survival.
The use of Spher and Triash is recommended both in the production of flax seedlings by watering them after rooting and soaking them before planting them in the ground. At the same time, the formulations are indicated for inoculation of refrigerated frigo or tray seedlings also by soaking or watering (for example, fertigation) in spring plantings.
Inoculation of plant roots with beneficial microorganisms is a new trend in crop production. Both scientific research conducted for decades and tests of commercial products prepared on their basis demonstrate not so much the benefits as, in many cases, the necessity of their use. They have a chance in the coming years to enter permanently into the basic agrotechnical procedures, in addition to the preparation and selection of a substrate, the choice of varieties and seedling supplier, the provision of adequate fertilization and a water source.
CERES has the pleasure of distributing and testing on an ongoing basis the products of the renowned LG Italia company, demonstrating their exceptional effectiveness year after year. Let’s not be afraid of novelty, let’s bet on knowledge and science! Inoculation of substrates is the next step in the ever advancing green revolution.
Dr. Sebastian Żmudzki
