Flower bud differentiation is a crucial stage in plant growth and development, especially for fruit trees, as it directly impacts fruit yield and quality. Therefore, nutritional supplementation is essential during this period. So, what foliar fertilizers are suitable for flower bud differentiation? Let's find out below.
What foliar fertilizer should be used for flower bud differentiation?
For foliar fertilizer used to promote flower bud differentiation, potassium dihydrogen phosphate is a good choice. It is a high-purity phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, rich in phosphorus and potassium elements. Its function is to provide sufficient nutrients to plants in the flowering period and promote flower bud differentiation.
How to distinguish between genuine and fake potassium dihydrogen phosphate?
1. Check the appearance
Genuine potassium dihydrogen phosphate is mostly found in the form of long, columnar white crystals, 2-3 millimeters in diameter, which are transparent, uniform, and orderly. If it is in powder form or is light yellow, pale yellow-green, or opaque, it is likely fake.
2. Check the content.
High-quality, high-purity potassium dihydrogen phosphate should have an effective content of 98% or 99% (KH2PO4 ≥ 98% or ≥ 99%) as indicated on the packaging . Any product with a content standard below 98% indicates that its purity is insufficient.
3. Check the packaging
Genuine products will have the words "potassium dihydrogen phosphate" prominently displayed on the packaging, and the standard will be HG2321-92, with a total nutrient content of ≥86%, of which P2O5 ≥52% and K2O ≥34%. They will not have other markings such as "Type I," "Type II," "Genuine," "Trace Elements," "Compound," or "Improved"; otherwise, they can be considered counterfeit.
4. Smell the odor
Genuine potassium dihydrogen phosphate has no smell; if it has a smell, it's fake. Even after being burned or exposed to direct sunlight, it will still remain odorless.
5. Heating identification
Take a small amount of potassium dihydrogen phosphate and heat it on an iron sheet. If it dissolves into a transparent liquid and then solidifies into a translucent object after cooling, it is genuine; otherwise, it is fake.
