Trials were performed in Unirocha, Bombarral, west region of Portugal, 100 km north from Lisbon.
Unirocha is a trading company which represents several fruit production associations. This group has large share of the market in distribution of fresh fruits, specially pera rocha, not only in Portugal, but also abroad mainly in Europe.
There were two areas of trial: Terra da Eira and Quintas de Cadaval, away from each other about 3 km. It’s also important to refer that these trials were made as a second year of trial, in order to be more conclusive. In fruit trees, it’s difficult to get expected results only in one season.

Eng. Delia Fialho and Eng. Joao Abreu, both agronomists and farm managers of Quintas de Cadaval and Terra da Eira, respectively.
Gabriela Silveira assisted the trials during the season, responsible for all measurements in the field, test and control areas.
Dr. Joao Martins, researcher and technical adviser.

Trials were performed during Spring-Summer 2009.
In Terra da Eira, treatments started in May 4th, and ended at July 8th; harvest in August 6th.
Quintas de Cadaval started treatments in April 22nd and ended at August 5th; harvest in August 19th.

Treated area 1 hectare, control area 1 hectare, in each one of the properties.

In both areas, Terra da Eira and Quintas de Cadaval, there were 5 treatments with Herbagreen, 2 kg/ha. In control areas other product was applied, Borycal, with different composition in Calcium.

From measurements made during fruit development and before harvest_ calibers, brix, hardness and weight_ it was concluded that hardness of fruits improved (very important in fruit storage and conservation), and also weight increased around 10%.
In foliar analysis, made each month of the trial, it was possible to compare element levels in both control and test areas. We’ve noticed a big difference in Calcium level_ 479 mg/l in control, against 605 mg/l in test area (Quintas de Cadaval, 2009.07.17).