AN innovative bio-stimulant – about to launch under new ownership at premier trade show Hort Connections in Brisbane next month – has already made an impact at third-generation Victorian citrus operation Chislett Farms, where it has been in use for several years.
Based at Kenley, almost midway between Swan Hill and Robinvale, Chislett Farms began using Sumitomo’s Transit Duo about four years ago, and was one of the earliest adopters of the product in Australia.
The family business produces citrus, avocados and pistachios across 1000 hectares (made up of four properties) for domestic and export distribution.
Long known as industry innovators, Chislett Farms discovered and developed the M7 navel variety, which is now widely produced under licence in multiple citrus-growing countries.
It also operates its own packing facility and a large wholesale container nursery.
Chislett Farms’ Narrung-based farm manager Reece Tacken said Transit Duo had increased the nutrition uptake of their plants and improved their overall health.
The product was incorporated into the operation’s fertiliser program and applied via drip irrigation during spring and summer flushes, Mr Tacken explained.
“It helps the fertiliser get to the plant more efficiently,” he said.
“The plants are more vibrant and advanced than they would be without it.
“Yield is consistent and that’s important in times of seasonal fluctuations.
“And yes, I’d definitely recommend it to improve overall plant health.”
Transit Duo and its partner product, Zicron, became available in Australia about 10 years ago but has only been available in very limited volumes.
But with Sumitomo Chemical’s acquisition of its manufacturer, FBSciences, access to the high-performing product has improved.
Especially in northwest Victoria, where sales agronomist Mat Earle of Swan Hill Chemicals has been distributing it since it first appeared in Australia; he is also the one who introduced it to Chislett Farms.
Mr Earle has also supplied it to other tree crop growers and cucurbit growers across the Murray Valley region.
“Growers have reported good results with Transit Duo in terms of quality, yield and tree health and there has been less tree death,” he said.
“Over the years there has been a consistent stream of return business as well as people using for the first time.
“It will be great to have access to larger volumes as there is significant scope for the product.
“It’s easy to use, has a small dose rate and is used at planting to establish roots in new trees.
“The technology in it helps the product move into the plant faster to take up nutrition and it worked equally well in the alkaline or calcareous soils we have here.”
Transit Duo supports key physiological processes including photosynthesis, abiotic stress mitigation and recovery and increased uptake of soil-applied nutrients.
Zicron – essentially Transit Duo with the addition of zinc – helps resolve zinc and manganese deficiencies and reduces production of binding proteins, enabling nutrients to move around growing points.
Both can be used universally.
For more information, go to www.sumitomo-chem.com.au/product-categories/agrosolutions
