Blackberry

ArgicinPlus reduces stress and stimulates root development

Propagation of long canes with plenty of flower buds requires a good balance of moisture, nutrition, light, temperature and CO₂. Every type of stress, such as heat, mineral deficiency or mildew, negatively impacts this balance.

To ensure internal and external growing conditions after planting out can be achieved as quickly as possible and maintained, we recommend treating blackberry plants weekly with ArgicinPlus. ArgicinPlus is a ‘green booster’ that contains silicon, willow bark extract and colloidal silver. This ensures robust plants that have a head start. They grow faster and are capable of producing more fruit until the end of the season. ArgicinPlus stimulates root development, your plants therefore have a greater capacity to absorb water and nutrients.

Delphy research: great root quality in blackberries with ArgicinPlus

The use of ArgicinPlus during propagation of blackberry plants results in a better root system, great root quality and a high number of canes. Research by Delphy ISFC with the variety Loch Ness demonstrates this. The results are at similar levels to the 100% chemical reference level. The canes treated with ArgicinPlus contain a higher proportion of calcium, magnesium, sulphur, phosphate, nitrogen and boron.

Recommended dosage/advice for use - ArgicinPlus (blackberry propagation)

• Spray ArgicinPlus weekly from the time of planting until 2 weeks before the end of growing.
• The dose depends on the plant height:
  • up to 1 metre in height = 0.5 l/ha
  • between 1 – 1.8 metres in height = 1.0 l/ha
  • more than 1.8 metres in height = 1.5 l/ha.

Commercial blackberry growing: supplement ArgicinPlus with Cuprum in the event of worsening stress conditions

ArgicinPlus isn’t only recommended during propagation, but in commercial growing too it will make your plants as resilient as possible. If your crop has to contend with heat or other stress conditions during growth, we recommend supplementing the weekly schedule of ArgicinPlus with Cuprum. Cuprum is a fertiliser with CE marking that contains micro copper. Copper further strengthens your plants and has a function in the production of growth-stimulating proteins.

Recommended dose/advice for use - ArgicinPlus (commercial blackberry growing)

• In commercial blackberry growing, our basic advice is to spray ArgicinPlus at 1.5 l/ha every week, from the time of potting on until 4 weeks before the end of harvest.
• In the event of severe stress conditions, supplement the ArgicinPlus spraying with 0.5 l/ha of Cuprum. Repeat this every week whilst the stress conditions continue.

Undisturbed growth only possible with clean irrigation water

Plenty of good quality water is important for undisturbed growth. Getting this water to the blackberries requires a properly functioning irrigation system with no blockages. Minimise the risk of blockages through the use of water-maintenance products Blue Bac-1 and Blue-Bac-2. Both are 100% natural products formulated from different bacteria.

Blue Bac-1 for clear water in basin and silo

Blue Bac-1 contains useful and harmless bacteria that reduces algae growth to a minimum and clears the irrigation water. Blue Bac-1 also boosts the digestion process of dead algae.

Recommended dose/advice for use - Blue Bac-1

• For a moderate level of contamination, the starting dose is 2 litres of Blue Bac-1/500 m³ basin water. Give this dose as early as possible in the season (spring), as soon as the water temperature is at least 15°C.
• The follow-up dose, which is once a month until the end of the growing season, is 1 litre of Blue Bac-1/500 m³ basin water.
• Tip: for optimum mixing, add Blue Bac-1 as far as from the intake point as possible.

Blue Bac-2 for pipes and drippers with no blockages

Blue Bac-2 is formulated from special Bacillus bacteria. These bacteria produce enzymes that form a very smooth ‘coating’ on the inner walls of pipes, hoses and drippers, which organic contaminants, such as sand or phosphate deposits cannot adhere to. This brings an end to the dreaded green film. In practice, we also see a great side-effect of Blue Bac-2; the bacteria that are present boost root development.

Recommended dose/advice for use - Blue Bac-2

• Start with 5 litres of Blue Bac-2/ha, given in a single shot from a separate fertiliser injector or add to the day storage tank or the A fertiliser feeder. Repeat this dose once a month until the end of the growing season.
• Tip: for the best effect, the irrigation water must be well aerated. Use a Venturi or waterfall.

Take care with hydrogen peroxide

The recommended products ArgicinPlus and Cuprum are organic products which are broken down if used in irrigation water to which hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has been added. Blue Bac-1 and Blue Bac-2 are natural alternatives to H₂O₂ or other chemical disinfectants. If you nevertheless wish to use hydrogen peroxide in addition to ArgicinPlus and Cuprum, contact our advisor to discuss our solution.

Is everything clear?

Do you have any questions or would you like tailor-made advice concerning your own cultivation situation? Contact your dealer or our advisor Alwin Scholten. Alwin can be contacted on telephone number + 31 (0)6 49 33 49 30, or by email on alwin.scholten@plantosys.nl.