Integrated nutrient management program for haskap

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Haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) is a relatively new crop in Canada and tremendously rich in polyphenols and other bioactive compounds with significant anti-inflammatory properties. North 45 Orchards is the largest haskap grower (>105 ha) in North America but their major challenge is the lack of recommendation of a properly researched fertility program in Canada or North America. Therefore, growers have adopted recommendations for other genetically unrelated plants as a benchmark, leading to low and inconsistent haskap plant productivity and fruit quality. The aim of the proposed research is to develop an integrated nutrient management (INM) program for North 45 Orchards using natural amendments, reduce the dependence on synthetic fertilizer and to increase their haskap plants productivity. Our studies and those of others showed remarkable efficacy of pyroligneous acid (PA), compost-charged biochar and seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) extract (ANE) on growth, protection and yield of other plants but not tested on haskap. Thus, the short-term objectives of the proposed research are to: (1) assess variations in rate and frequency of application of PA-ANE mix on growth and development of two commercial haskap varieties 'Indigo Gem' and 'Wojtek'; (2) evaluate haskap plant response to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers in sandy loam and clayey soils; (3) investigate combined effect of compost-charged biochar and NPK fertilizer in an INM program for haskap; (4) investigate biostimulatory effect of PA-ANE mix on haskap in an INM program; and (5) analyze the economic benefit associated with INM program. New knowledge will be generated on mechanisms of haskap plants nutrients uptake, berry production and enhance its benefits to human nutrition and health. North 45 Orchards will exploit the results to increase revenue and employment, and to contribute to the expansion of the Canadian haskap industry.