Field Study

Vitazyme on Apples – 2010, New York, USA

This New York apple study, begun in 2009 to evaluate the return bloom, yield, and quality of apples grown the subsequent year, proved that Vitazyme greatly improved all parameters except apple size. The failure to increase apple size was due to the much heavier load of fruit for the Vitazyme treatment. According to the author of the study;

• 2010 return bloom. 2010 return bloom (flower clusters/limb) was significantly improved in the Vitazyme program.

• 2010 fruit set, yields, and fruit size. Fruit set (number of apples/limb) and yield were improved in the Vitazyme treatment compared to the untreated control, but not quite to the degree that return bloom had been increased. This was due to frost injury during bloom, and the Vitazyme treated rows were somewhat lower lying than the untreated control rows, and therefore suffered somewhat greater fruit losses. Fruit size was somewhat reduced in the Vitazyme treatment, as expected, since fruit size was very good in both treatments.

• Fruit pressure and soluble solid levels at harvest. Fruit firmness did not vary between the two treatments. The Vitazyme treatment showed an increase in soluble solid levels (Brix) despite the higher yields.

• Fruit finish and foliar phytotoxicity. Little difference in fruit finish was noted between the two treatments, and no foliar phytotoxicity was observed.

• Return blooms in 2011 will be evaluated this coming May.