The increase in extreme temperatures and the growing frequency of intense solar radiation events are making heat stress one of the major challenges facing citrus growers. This abiotic stress not only affects fruit appearance but also has a direct impact on commercial yield and orchard profitability.
Structural reinforcement against sunburn
To address these challenges, SILSTOM has been developed as a solution capable of enhancing the physiological resilience of citrus trees under adverse environmental conditions, minimizing the detrimental effects of heat and solar radiation on the crop.
Its mode of action begins at the structural level. The application of SILSTOM strengthens cell walls and plant membranes, increasing their mechanical resistance and improving tissue integrity. This reinforcement helps reduce sunburn damage while enhancing fruit peel strength, resulting in improved fruit quality and postharvest preservation.
To evaluate its effectiveness against sunburn, a field trial was conducted in a mandarin orchard comparing SILSTOM-treated plots with untreated control plots. The results showed a 21% reduction in the incidence of sunburn-damaged fruit compared with the untreated control. Furthermore, 53.2% of the marketable fruit harvested from SILSTOM-treated plots showed no signs of sunburn injury, compared with only 20% in the control treatment.
Improved water and nutrient management
To reduce water loss during periods of high temperature and maintain plant water balance, SILSTOM decreases stomatal transpiration. At the same time, it plays an important role in regulating the uptake and translocation of essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium, all of which are critical for optimal plant physiological performance.
This improved physiological status under stress is directly reflected in crop development. The mandarin trial demonstrated that SILSTOM-treated plots exhibited a more favorable fruit size distribution, with 52% of the production classified as Large and 18% falling within the premium Jumbo and Mammoth size categories. In addition, the average fruit weight increased by 13% compared with the untreated control, indicating enhanced fruit growth and filling.
An 18% increase in yield and greater economic return
The combined effect of reduced sunburn damage, improved fruit size distribution, and increased fruit weight resulted in a significant increase in productivity.
SILSTOM-treated plots achieved an 18% higher yield than untreated plots and produced 3% more fruits per plot, reflecting improved preservation of the crop’s productive potential. Economic assessment of the harvest also demonstrated increased profitability due to a more favorable distribution of premium fruit size categories and a higher return on investment.
In the context of increasing climatic pressure, protection against sunburn can no longer be viewed solely as a corrective measure. These results demonstrate that strengthening plant physiology effectively reduces damage, improves harvest quality, and maximizes profitability. When plants are physiologically prepared to withstand environmental stress, they are able to fully express their productive potential.
