BioFlora Improves Shelf Life and Size of Romaine Lettuce
BioFlora® began a trial on Romaine Lettuce in Antigua, Guatemala to determine if adding several BioFlora products to a conventional fertilizer program would increase the shelf life and the size of the lettuce leaf. Products used were:
Humega®: Enhances root protection by stimulating the growth of beneficial microbes.
Fulmega™ 1% Mg: Assists with higher yield even with less chemical fertilizer input.
BioFlora Seaweed Creme®: Acts as a growth stimulant, assists with development, and protects plant growth and post-harvest shelf life.
BioFlora Dry Crumbles® 6-6-5 + 8% Ca: Are our carbon-based granules that improve soil structure and its work-ability. Soil that has been fertilized with this product will have better tilth and allow for more air and water to get to plant roots.
BioFlora® 5-3-2: Is an organic-based blend fortified with fish solubles for overall growth and production.
Our Method
In this trial, the grower used a conventional fertilization program based on the application of urea.
BioFlora® treated (left) against Control (right), notice larger root ball.BioFlora® treated (right) against Control (left), notice difference in leaf and root size.
For the BioFlora treated area was treated with Humega during a pre-plant irrigation. BioFlora Dry Crumbles was incorporated into the planting bed prior to covering with a plastic mulch. Foliar applications of the remaining three prod- ucts: Fulmega 1% Mg, BioFlora Seaweed Creme and BioFlora 5-3-2 were mixed and applied at weekly intervals throughout the growing season.
Our Results
The root balls of the BioFlora treated romaine lettuce were measured to be 2 to 3 times larger than that of the Control field. It also displayed larger leaves, and had a noticeable firmness that was not present in the control field, due to the high nitrogen program that was implemented. The BioFlora treated romaine lettuce had a shelf life of 20 days after harvest. The Control plots romaine lettuce only had a shelf life of 10 days after harvest in comparison. With these results, BioFlora successfully completed all of the objectives for this trial.
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. Our organic and sustainable agricultural programs maximize the efficacy and efficiency of traditional agricultural inputs, while being mindful of their environ- mental impact.
ding several BioFlora products to a conventional fertilizer program would increase the shelf life and the size of the lettuce leaf. Products used were:
