HASKAP (LONICERA CAERULEA L.) PLANT RESPONSE TO VARYING FREQUENCY AND RATE OF PYROLIGNEOUS ACID WITH ADDED LIQUID SEAWEED EXTRACT

Abstract

Haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) is a new plant in Canada with many investment potentials. A field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, and tri-weekly) and rates (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%) of pyroligneous acid application (PA) with added 0.35% liquid seaweed extract (LSE) on haskap plant growth, yield, berry quality, and powdery mildew disease management. Control treatments were water alone, 4% PA alone, and 0.35% LSE alone. The tri-weekly application of 2% and 4% PA + 0.35% LSE enhanced haskap growth and yield. The 2%, 4%, and 6% PA + 0.35% LSE treatments improved haskap berry quality. The weekly application of 10% PA + 0.35% LSE reduced disease incidence and severity by 8.3%. The tri-weekly application of PA increased revenue by 42% compared to other frequencies.