Florida vegetable growers should consider using petiole sap-testing to improve fertilization efficiency in their nutrient management program.
Details of Petiole Sap-Testing
“Producers can improve their fertilization efficiency through services such as plant petiole sap-testing,” according to a UF/IFAS blog post. The post shared the value of this service for panhandle growers, but it’s worthwhile to check with your Extension offices to see if they offer the service, especially if an operation is located within a Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP). See the details below.
The blog post shares that petiole sap-testing “measures current potassium and nitrate levels in various vegetables, such as peppers, tomatoes, and melon crops.” It is recommended that the test be performed weekly, on the same day, and at the same time of day; 9am-11 am “is best for the most accurate results.” The post maintains that “By evaluating your nutrient levels weekly, accurate fertilizer rates will be applied to the crop, saving resources such as water, fertilizer, and time. Petiole-sap testing can be utilized not only for nutrient management purposes but can also be a key step when performing plant disease diagnostics.”
The steps to such testing includes:
- “Petiole leaf stems are collected from the Most Recently Matured Leaf (MRML) from crop plants throughout the field.”
- “The petioles are then cut into smaller pieces and “juiced” through a garlic press.”
- “The sap from the petiole stems is then inserted into the sensor of the desired meter (N or K) and the meter displays the results.”
The article recommends “Growers interested in petiole sap-testing and more information about this service should contact the local county extension office. For more information on this subject, including a chart with guidelines for plant leaf petiole fresh sap nitrate-nitrogen and potassium-testing of commonly grown vegetables, please use the following publication link: Plant Petiole Sap-Testing for Vegetable Crops.”
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions -or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.