The Dirty Work: Cantaloupe Case Study

BioFlora Maximizes Melon Production in South America

Predominant melon varieties include watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew. Melon consumption has remained high worldwide for a variety of reasons, including the health consciousness of consumers, improved availability and improved varieties. Key concerns with melon growers are soil friability, crowning and water quality. During our 40 year history, BioFlora® products have shown remarkable results in improving water penetration, increasing produce size, and improving soil health. The purpose of this trial was to reinforce this knowledge by using a combination of Humega®, Fulvex®, and BioFlora Seaweed Creme® (with an assortment of BioFlora® foliar products) to a high sodium soil. Our aim was to increase the production and quality of cantaloupes over a conventional fertilization program. Our Organic ProductsHumega is our biologically active humic acid, which facilitates soil tilth and boosts microbial activity. Creating a diverse and well populated soil ecology with beneficial microorganisms to help limit the spread of soil-borne plant pathogens, increase the rate and percentage of seed germination, stimulate plant growth, amplify root system development, and increase biomass yield. We utilize a proprietary extraction process that is unique to our business, which aids our approach in maximizing the integrity of humic acids we are able to procure, making them more microbially active. BioFlora Seaweed Creme begins with hand-harvested, sun-dried Ascophyllum nodosum, a type of marine algae. This seaweed is homogenized, processed at ambient temperatures, and then enhanced with our patented ionic minerals.

This secures all of the natural, beneficial qualities of seaweed (amino acids, vitamins, auxins, gibberellins, folic and folinic acids) in order to stimulate increased flowering, fruit set, and fruit cell density for better quality produce. Fulvex is our enhanced fulvic acid product derived from humates from selected mined sites throughout the United States. It acts as a chelating supplement that transports trace minerals directly to cell metabolic sites. Our Foliar ProductsBioFlora 5-3-2 increases plant metabolism and nutrient assimilation. BioFlora 6-0-0 + 8% Ca is formulated to correct calcium deficiencies in all plant life. BioFlora 0-15-15 is a balanced formula, with essential nutrients and organic substances

BioFlora Magnesium 4% is essential for photosynthetic metabolism and an enzyme activator. BioFlora Zinc 7% is formulated to correct zinc deficiencies in all plant life. Our Method Control Field: Used a standard program based on the use of Urea and 10-34-0. BioFlora Field: Humega, Fulvex, and BioFlora Seaweed Creme were applied during pre-plant irrigation. Rates of application varied per product based on soil analysis. BioFlora Seaweed Creme and the following BioFlora foliars: 5-3-2, 6-0-0 + 8% Ca, 0-15-15, Magnesium and Zinc were applied every two weeks through drip-irrigation. Rates of application varied per product based on petiole analysis. Our Results The average yield of the control field was 1,328 boxes per 1.7 acres. The average yield of the BioFlora field was 1,483 (+155) boxes per 1.7 acres. The treated field had an increase greater than 10% over the control field. The control field produce had an average Brix level of 12.5. The BioFlora field produce had an average Brix level of 14.3 (+1.8). About BioFlora BioFlora was founded in 1972 with a goal to conceptualize, develop, manufacture, market, and deliver a proprietary product line to the agricultural community. Through our innovative products and programs, we provide solutions to our customers in both domestic and international markets. Today, we have over 30 unique proprietary products that benefit growers, retailers and consumers alike. Our organic and sustainable agricultural programs maximize the efficacy and efficiency of traditional agricultural inputs, while being mindful of their environmental impact.