Using Chlorophyll & Calcium Meters to Evaluate Corn and Hot Pepper Response to Saeta®, Evergreen®, and Fertilex®.
Location: Hubu Backdam, Parika – Guyana
Dates: July 3–5, 2024
Farmer: Sudesh
Technical Lead: Tyrell Adrian, ExcelAg (Trinidad & Tobago)
Collaborators: Jenarin Hardat & Ravindra Singh (CCL Guyana)
OBJETIVE OF THE STUDY
The primary objective of this field trial was to determine:
- Whether non-destructive chlorophyll and calcium meters can accurately detect crop nutritional responses.
- The effect of Saeta®, Evergreen®, and Fertilex® applications on chlorophyll (Nitrogen status) and calcium levels in corn and hot pepper.
- The relationship between nutrient readings and overall crop health.
Portable diagnostic tools were used:
- atLeaf Chlorophyll Meter – to estimate foliar chlorophyll (Nitrogen status)
- Horiba Calcium Meter – to estimate leaf calcium concentration
TRIAL DESIGN APPLICATIONS
Application Method: Foliar application using a motorized knapsack sprayer.
Treatments Evaluated:
Trial 1 & 2
- Saeta® @ 10 g/gal + Evergreen® @ 10 ml/gal
- Evergreen® @ 10 ml/gal + Fertilex® @ 10 ml/gal
- Applied at:
- Corn: V3 and V5 stages
- Pepper: Week 2 and Week 4
Trial 3 & 4
- Fertilex® + Evergreen® @ 10 ml each
- Same crop growth stages as above
Treated plots were compared directly with untreated control rows.
Chlorophyll (Nitrogen Status) Results
Chlorophyll readings below 40 typically indicate Nitrogen deficiency.
Across all trials:
- Treated corn and pepper consistently showed higher chlorophyll readings than untreated plots.
- The combination Fertilex® + Evergreen® showed particularly strong responses.
- Results suggest improved Nitrogen assimilation and enhanced photosynthetic capacity in treated crops.
This response was especially relevant given the heavy clay soils of the region, which may present micronutrient limitations affecting nutrient uptake efficiency.
Higher chlorophyll readings = stronger vegetative vigor and greater yield potential.
Calcium Results
Calcium readings were also significantly higher in treated crops:
- Corn: 1055 ppm (treated) vs 855 ppm (untreated)
- Pepper: 1000 ppm (treated) vs 790 ppm (untreated)
In addition to improved calcium levels:
- Treated plants exhibited fewer disease symptoms
- Stronger structural integrity was observed
Crop-Specific Importance
Pepper
- Requires 1.0–2.5% calcium in leaf tissue
- Essential for fruit development
- Reduces blossom-end rot risk
Corn
- Typical healthy range: 0.3–0.7% calcium
- Critical for cell wall stability and stress tolerance
Why This Matters
This study demonstrates two critical points:
- Nutrient programs must be timed correctly.
Early vegetative and tillering stages are key windows for influencing final yield. - Technology-driven crop monitoring works.
Non-destructive meters provided consistent, measurable differentiation between treated and untreated plots.
Monitoring relative readings over time allows agronomists and growers to:
- Detect deficiencies early
- Adjust nutrient programs precisely
- Protect yield potential
Key Takeaways
✔ Saeta®, Evergreen®, and Fertilex® significantly improved chlorophyll and calcium readings.
✔ Treated crops demonstrated stronger nutritional status and reduced disease symptoms.
✔ Early-stage nutrient management plays a decisive role in crop performance.
✔ Portable meters are valuable agronomic decision-making tools.
FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS
For addressing Nitrogen and Calcium deficiencies in corn, pepper, rice, and vegetable crops:
- Saeta® supports P and Ca correction.
- Evergreen® can be applied via foliar spray, drenching, or drip injection across crop stages.
- Fertilex® + Evergreen® showed synergistic effects in micronutrient-deficient soils.
Timely nutrient management, combined with real-time diagnostic tools, enhances crop health, resilience, and yield outcomes.
