Have you been struggling with growing produce that does not meet commercial market standards? Perhaps they have blemishes, are misshapen or do not meet the weight requirement, causing their selling price to decrease, and in the end leading to a loss in your profits. Producing good quality fruits is not always easy, and there are many factors controlling produce quality. One of the factors which are commonly overlooked is providing an adequate supply of micronutrients to your crops. 

Micronutrients, also known as trace elements (TE) are nutrients which are essential to the optimal growth and development of a plant but are only needed in minimal quantities. While the amount of TE required by plants is much lesser as compared to macronutrients, they are equally significant in terms of role and importance. Let’s take a look at some examples:

• Fe: Iron is involved in many important processes relating to photosynthesis and chlorophyll production. 
• Zn: Zinc is used mainly in production of plant hormones which control cell growth, root branching and flower bud initiation. 
• Mo: Molybdenum is involved in production of abscisic acid, which manages stress response in plants. 
• B: Boron improves calcium uptake, contributing to protection and rigidity through cell wall synthesis.
• Mn: Manganese aids in strengthening plant structure and disease resistance, as well as being involved in antioxidant defence processes. 
• Cu: Copper contributes to lignin production, ethylene production and helps in antioxidant defence processes.  
  
  
  

Together, these elements work to produce high quality fruits that are better able to withstand diseases and stress. 

Because of these important roles played by TE in maintaining plant functions and wellbeing, their impacts can be clearly seen in the produce quality. Studies have shown the direct impacts of TE within a few aspects:

1. Growth and yield: Improved root formation and shoot elongation, larger leaves and overall plant health. Leads to increased crop yields – greater flower and fruit set, better fruit development, and heavier fruit bunches. 
2. Bioactive compounds: Production of important bioactive compounds are increased, such as oils and vitamins, leading to greater yields for crops grown for harvesting these compounds.  
3. Shelf life: Produce do not deteriorate quickly after harvest, thus able to reduce post-harvest losses and wastage, as well as improve shelf-life and saleability. 
4. Stress and disease tolerance: Boosting plant defence against pests, diseases and stressful conditions, preventing unnecessary blemishes and deformation.  

TE can be supplied to crops through both soil and foliar applications. TE applied on the soil will be absorbed through the plant roots while foliar applications will supply TE through the plant leaves. Hence, the effects of TE are generally longer-lasting when applied through soil, while foliar applications are able to produce quick results. Furthermore, foliar applications require the use of pressure sprayers, and plant height and foliage density need to be considered while spraying liquid TE fertilizes. Soil applications of TE do not require use of specialized equipment and are much more suitable for farms that may have issues with foliar application. 

For farms which are more suited to using soil application, AgroBridge recommends COMPLEXSUPRA® Granular TE in order to boost the TE content in plants and fruits. COMPLEXSUPRA® Granular TE supplies 11 different types of nutrient elements in each granule - maximising TE nutrient supply and enabling easy application, while also being an affordable option to increase yield quantity and quality, ultimately adding value towards your produce and giving you a competitive advantage in the market.