Latest trials results published by Kelp Products International (PTY) Ltd:
The trial was done on the everbearer variety Favori as a tabletop cultivation technique. An everbearer has a long growing period and develops new flowers throughout the cultivation period, making it interesting to test the effect of Kelpak on production, crop development and quality.
The Trial
Trial area:
Berry Plaza, The Netherlands
Conducted by:
Delphy
Crop:
Strawberry
Variety:
Favori
Plot size:
2 000 m
Application rate and timing:
5 x 3L/ha at 4-week intervals. First application
two weeks after planting
Design:
Demonstration Trial
The Result:
Kelpak applied 5 times with 4-week intervals increased the marketable fruit number and yield by 12% compared to the control without compromising fruit size and quality. This increase in production was mainly achieved between the two production peaks from week 23 up to and including week 30. A flower mapping assessment one month before the end of the cultivation period, showed that Kelpak treated plants had more potential flower clusters, more side crowns and more vegetative positions per truss and therefore the best potential for further development.
Trial Summary
The control treatment produced a total yield of 6.65kg/metre, the Kelpak treated produced a total yield of 7.45kg/metre. Of this increase 0.63kg were class 1 strawberries, which is worth about £1.75/metre in extra income.
In a commercial situation, even if a crop achieved a yield increase of half the amount measured in this trial, the extra income would be in the region of £6,000/ha and a return on investment of 45:1 (based on a cropping density of 30,000 plants/ha and a price of £2.80/kg).
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