Summer crops such as fruit trees, melon and watermelon or industrial tomatoes are characterized by an important dependence on the sugar content of the fruit. These are known as º Brix, a factor that serves to know the total percentage of dry matter (generally sugars such as sucrose) and that we can measure in the fruit, the sap of the plant or even the soil. In this article we tell you what mechanisms are involved and how to increase the sugar content in fruits.

Potassium has always been linked to sugar production and production and transport of sugarsThe reality is that there are many more factors involved in obtaining a higher amount of sugar (º Brix) and increased sweetness in the fruit.

Production of sugars by the plant

The process of production of sugars and photoassimilates by the plant is quite complex and requires the synchronization of many enzymes, biological and photosynthetic processes. Although many times attempts have been made to advance the process with the exogenous application of sugars (table sugar, for example), the reality tells us that positive results are not obtained.

At the biochemical level, the plant obtains sugars from the photosynthesis process, transforming starch and fructans into sugars such as sucrose from the enzyme amylase. However, this process slows down if the levels of potassium, boron or phosphorus, among others, are not at optimal levels and readily available to the plant.

Indispensable elements in the manufacture and transport of sugars in plants

In order to know how to increase the sugar content in fruits, it is necessary and essential to know the importance of the following elements.

Sol

It is not an element in the periodic table, but it is one of the most important factors in the manufacture of sugars. Light, together with water, favors photosynthesis processes, without which nutrients would cease to be important. The combination of good lighting and proper nutrition allows maximum yields to be obtained.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is involved in the manufacture of energy within the plant, being an indispensable component in obtaining cellular energy (ATP). Therefore, it is involved in the manufacture of sugars and has special importance in obtaining º Brix by the plant.

Potassium

Potassium is the element that regulates the water balance of the plant. Its contribution ensures high yields in the crop and is involved both in the production of sugars and in their transport to the root and fruit.

This element is responsible for the production of antioxidant substances and elements that give color to fruits, such as lycopene in industrial tomatoes.

Boron

Boron is a microelement that regulates phytohormone activity and is involved in the movement of sugars to the fruit and root. Therefore, it is important to combine phosphorus, boron and potassium nutrition at ripening to achieve the highest possible sugar accumulation.

Subsequently, this element helps in the mobility of photoassimilates to the roots to generate reserves for next year, in the case of tree crops.

Products that help the plant to increase º Brix in fruits

At times when nutrition does not provide maximum results, the use of specific biostimulants and correctors can meet the crop's demand at specific times.

  SUPER K: potassium 40% w/w complexed with Micro Carbon Technology special fertigation technology

  PHOS-MAX: ultra-concentrated phosphorus complexed with Micro Carbon Technology to promote energy transfer (ATP) and manufacture sugars

  COLORO: potassium 20% w/w with fattening and ripening inducers (cytokinins and gibberellins) and certified organic.

  YIELD-MAX: maturation enhancer with abscisic acid precursors.

  FRUCTUS: phosphorus (23.5% w/w) + potassium (26.0%) liquid and ultra concentrated with cell filling precursors.

 BORAMOL: boron (9.0% w/w) + molybdenum (0.75% w/w) sugar mobilizer.

If we detect a low presence of sugars in the sap (measured with a refractometer in petiole) and the weather is suitable, we recommend the application of the following corrective treatment

• Fertigation: PHOS-MAX (3 L/ha) + BORAMOL (1,5 L/ha)

If we want to act with everything to promote a rapid rise in Brix, we will apply phosphorus, potassium and boron together.

• Foliar: FRUCTUS (300 cc/hl) + BORAMOL (200 cc/hl)

At the same time, if potassium levels in the plant are low, we will help to maintain adequate levels with the following treatment:

• Fertigation: SUPER K (3 L/ha) + BORAMOL (1.5 L/ha)
• Foliar: YIELD-MAX (300 cc/hl) + PHOS-MAX (150 cc/hl)

If we work in organic agriculture, we will use COLORO (300-500 cc/hl) in foliar application or 3-5 L/ha in fertigation.