The increase in extreme temperatures and episodes of intense solar radiation is forcing the citrus sector to adopt new strategies to protect crops. Heat stress no longer affects only fruit appearance, but also crop production and farm profitability.
Greater resistance to solar radiation
Under environmental stress conditions, ECKOSIL strengthens the plant’s natural defence mechanisms. Its formulation promotes greater resistance in plant tissues, helping to minimise damage caused by excessive heat and solar radiation. By strengthening cell walls and plant membranes, it improves tissue stability and increases the resistance of the fruit skin to sun exposure. As a result, fruit quality is better maintained and its shelf life after harvest is extended.
The efficacy of ECKOSIL was evaluated in a mandarin trial comparing treated plots with untreated plots. The results showed a 21% reduction in the number of fruits affected by sunburn compared with the untreated control. In addition, 53.2% of marketable fruit from the treated plots showed no sunburn damage, compared with 20% in the untreated plots.
Improved water and plant nutrition management
During periods of high temperatures, maintaining water balance is essential to preserve crop physiological activity. In this regard, ECKOSIL helps reduce water loss by decreasing stomatal transpiration, promoting more efficient use of water resources.
At the same time, it improves the uptake and internal transport of essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. These elements help maintain crop physiological activity and improve its ability to respond to abiotic stress.
The benefits are also reflected at harvest. In the mandarin trial, plots treated with ECKOSIL concentrated 52% of production in the Large size category, while 18% corresponded to the larger Jumbo and Mammoth sizes. In addition, the average fruit weight was 13% higher than in the untreated plots, demonstrating improved fruit growth and filling.
Higher production and greater profitability
The combination of lower sunburn incidence, increased fruit weight and a more favourable size distribution has a direct impact on crop yield and farm profitability.
Plots treated with ECKOSIL achieved 18% higher production compared with untreated plots and produced 3% more fruit per plot, confirming better preservation of the crop’s productive potential. The improved size distribution and increased production contribute to greater farm profitability through the higher commercial value of the harvest.
Preparing crops for an increasingly demanding climate
As episodes of extreme heat become more frequent, protecting citrus crops against sunburn should be part of a preventive strategy rather than simply a corrective measure. The trials carried out demonstrate that strengthening plant physiology through solutions such as ECKOSIL can help reduce losses caused by heat stress, improve the commercial quality of fruit and preserve the crop’s productive potential.