The apple tree is the most widely represented fruit species in Slovenia and one of the
most important parts of our fruit production. In recent years, we have aimed to produce
apples in an environmentally friendly way while maintaining both yield and quality.
This can also be achieved through more targeted fertilizer application and the use of
alternative nutrient sources. With these goals in mind, we conducted a trial on the
cultivar 'Topaz', where we tested the effects of two products: Utrisha®N, which contains
a symbiotic bacterium capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, and N-Balancer, a boron-
and molybdenum-based foliar fertilizer. Both products are intended to improve nitrogen
uptake and metabolism in the plant. The experiment included four treatments: control,
treatment with Utrisha®N (0.5 kg/ha), treatment with N-Balancer (3.33 l/ha), and
treatment with both products combined (Utrisha®N 0.5 kg/ha + N-Balancer 3.33 l/ha).
The products were applied on April 22, 2024, after the spring frost. We found that trees
treated with Utrisha®N, N-Balancer, or their combination had a higher number of fruits
per tree, higher yield per tree, and higher yield per hectare compared to the control.
Furthermore, Utrisha®N and N-Balancer also positively influenced yield after the frost
at the fruitlet stage of 5–15 mm in diameter. Yields from trees sprayed with Utrisha®N
and N-Balancer were even 2–3 times higher than in the control. In trees treated with
Utrisha®N, the fruits had lower fruit firmness and lower starch content, indicating that
the fruits were more mature. The soluble solids content was lower in the Utrisha®N and
N-Balancer treatments compared to the control. Fruits treated with N-Balancer showed
a darker red coloration than control fruits. Trees treated with Utrisha®N also had higher
chlorophyll content in the leaves in July, but by August, no further effect of Utrisha®N
application was observed compared to the control.
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