Avoid Bitter Pit and Boost Quality: Understanding Calcium’s Impact on Apples 

Red Apples on Tree

When it comes to growing high-quality apples, calcium plays a vital role. From strengthening cell walls to preventing costly fruit defects like bitter pit and corking, calcium is a key player in both fruit development and overall plant health.  

 

When to Apply Calcium 

Bloom or petal fall is the right time to begin foliar calcium applications in apples as it helps set the stage for healthy fruit development. 

 

Why Calcium Is Essential for Apple Fruit Development 

Calcium plays a vital role in cell wall structure of not only the fruit, but also of the vegetative growth. Calcium deficiencies at critical stages of development can lead to issues like:  

  • Bitter Pit  
  • Corking 
  • Reduced fruit quality and profitability 

One of these critical stages is the cell division stage, which starts immediately following pollination of a flower. During this time, calcium demand is very high to build not only the cell walls of the fruit itself, but also of the vegetative growth that’s occurring at the same time. 

 

Calcium Uptake Challenges 

Calcium has limited mobility in plants, and root uptake through the ground and through the roots can vary dramatically from one year to the next. This is in large part because calcium requires water to carry it not only to the root system, but also from the root system to the apple through the vascular system of the tree. 

Because of this, supplemental foliar applications of calcium have become the grower standard for growers looking to prevent bitter pit in apples and reduce corking. These foliar applications occur during the cover sprays from bloom until about 3 to 4 weeks before harvest. 

 

Best Foliar Calcium Solution for Apples: TimaCal from TIMAC AGRO 

At TIMAC AGRO, many of our growers have seen success with TimaCal, a liquid calcium solution designed for efficient uptake. 

TimaCal contains: 

  • 10.7% calcium chloride 
  • The Adur Complex, derived from seaweed extracts and organic acids 

The Adur Complex helps improve translocation of calcium throughout the plant. And perhaps most importantly, it helps reduce foliar chloride phytotoxicity, which can lead to improved color and finish. 

 

Ready to Learn More? 

To be connected with your local TIMAC AGRO field rep, visit our Contact Us page and explore how TimaCal can support your orchard’s success.