AuStar® is most widely used on Mango, Stonefruit and Avocado. AuStar® plays the same fundamental role in all plants by inhibiting gibberellin synthesis. The primary effect of AuStar® is to reduce canopy growth and direct nutrients and the carbohydrates synthesised in the leaves into fruit and seed production, rather than into non-productive leaves and stems. The use of Austar on Avovados is practiced by 3 of the top 5 biggest Avocado farms in the world and the results speak for themselves. Additionally, scientific evidence widely documents the following respones very reliably.
Empirical evidence proves AuStar assists with:
• Managing and controlling the canopy;
• Better fruit retention;
• Increased yields by a minimum of 25% up to 82%
• Fuller shaped Avocado;
• Improves skin texture;
• Reduction in bi-ennial cropping;
• Enhances calcium concentration in fruit.
Australian Instructions
1st Application
Foliar Spray Growth Control 0.7% (7L/1000L)
- Growth Control: For the control of vigorous growth, application is best done when in full flower.
2nd Application
Fruitdrop Control 0.5% (5L/1000L)
- Fruit Drop Control: To assist fruit retention, application is best at fruit set.
International Instructions
1st Application
This is applied at flowering (or at pea size) to enable vital nutrients to be pumped into the fruit set:
- Rate of 0.56% at height of flowering ( i.e. 5.60 L / Ha ).
OR in some climates such as Israel and other similar countries:
- 1st spray at a rate of 0.35% at height of flowering ( i.e. 3.5 L / Ha ) ;
- 2nd spray at a rate of 0.21% at the end of flowering period ( i.e. 2.1 L / Ha ).
2nd Application
This is applied during summer months to control the canopy growth.
- Rate between 0.70% and 1.05% during vegetative flush /growth.
( i.e. 0.70 L / Ha and 1.05 L / Ha ).
3rd Application
In some locations farmers use AuStar® for fruit shaping.
When the fruit is 3/4 size (or 4 to 6 weeks before pick) check the neck of the fruit to determine how much to spray for fruit shaping.
- If the fruit has a long neck spray at 0.35% ( i.e. 3.5 L/ Ha );
- If the fruit has a full shoulder spray at 0.175% ( i.e. 1.75 L/ Ha );
*Registered in many countries including Australia with the APVMA.