Leaf thinning / Defoliation

Leaf removal (defoliation) is a crop management practice involving the selective removal of leaves from the fruiting zone of the plant. This operation may be performed manually or mechanically at different stages of the cropping cycle, depending on the cultivated species and the agronomic management strategy adopted.

Leaf thinning enhances fruit exposure to solar radiation, promoting improved coloration, uniformity, and the development of organoleptic attributes. Furthermore, it contributes to a reduction in canopy humidity and improved air circulation, thereby decreasing the incidence of fungal pathogens. The practice also facilitates harvesting operations, plant protection measures, and overall crop management.

In this context, the decontaminating fertilizer BioAksxter® supports and accelerates the wound-healing processes of leaf surfaces and plant tissues affected by the intervention, reducing the susceptibility of the plant to external pathogenic agents.