First application of nanofertilizers in tomatoes within the framework of GO BIODIF

On November 4th, the first foliar application of a biofertilizer was carried out on tomato crops at the Las Palmerillas facilities (El Ejido) of UNICA GROUP SCA, within the framework of the GO BIODIF Operational Group project. This application involved the use of two innovative nanomaterials to biofortify the crop: the first as a source of calcium and the second as a source of zinc. A third control treatment using tap water was also performed to provide a comparative reference.

The applications were made directly onto the grape bunches, applying an approximate volume of 40 mL per bunch, corresponding to each assigned treatment. The trial included three replicates per variety, with all three treatments applied to each replicate. The treatments were applied alternately, overlapping between varieties with the same treatment to reduce potential cross-contamination.

Two additional applications are planned, maintaining the same experimental design. The second application will be carried out on November 18, 14 days after the first, and the third application will be carried out on December 2, 14 days after the second, with the aim of evaluating the evolution and possible cumulative effects of the nanomaterials on the crop. At the time of the analysis, the intention is to have a representation of plots that have received one, two, and three applications, which will allow for a more precise comparison of the progressive impact of the treatments on tomato biofortification.

This first phase represents a significant step forward in the development of the GO BIODIF project, which seeks to incorporate nanotechnology applied to the biofortification of crops, promoting more efficient, innovative and sustainable agricultural production.