This project contributes to the technological development of ´Maâli´ seed production in Tunisia by improving production and competitiveness and efficient use of natural resources. The present study is being carried out after a number of meetings and workshops with farmers and public authorities concerned to identify the technical and economic problems in this sector and best production practices.
This project is being carried out as part of the cooperation between COCEBLE, SANBOS GmbH from Germany and the General Society for Agricultural and Industrial Development “SGDAI” in Tunisia.
This project is being carried out within the framework of the program for the technological and economic development of cereals in Tunisia and the collaboration between COCEBLE COOPERATIVE CENTRALE DU BLE (Tunisia), SANBOS GmbH (Germany) and SGDAI Société Générale de Développement Agricole et Industriel (Tunisia).
1. Materials
Location: City of Pont de Bizerte – Gouvernorat Ariana – Tunisia
Farmer: Ali Zbidi
Crop cultivation: Basic seed for propagation
Annual rainfall: 600 mm
Product: Sanbio EPSOMIT, manufactured by SANBOS GmbH, Germany
Table 1. Product presentation of Sanbio EPSOMIT
| Product name | Composition | Description | Application |
| Sanbio EPSOMIT | MgO + SO3 (18.2 + 35) Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate, activated by SANBIO Biocatalytical Stimulation Technology | Fertilizer and biological activator (certified in France, Germany, EC, USA)Stimulation of plant growth and immunityBetter protection against fungal diseases and biotic and abiotic stressBetter control of factors favorable to plant growthBetter germination and growth of vegetation and development of roots and shootsBetter mobilization and assimilation of nutrientsEarly flowering and maturationIncreased production and improved quality | Dosage: 1 kg / ha in 200-500 l of water No. of application: 1-2 Mode of application: Foliar spray Stage of application: 3-5 leaf stage |
2. Methods and results
Table 2. Methods and results
| Data | Control (untreated) | Lot 1 (Epsomit 1x) | Lot 2 (Epsomit 2x) |
| Wheat seed base for multiplication, variety | Maâli | Maâli | Maâli |
| Area | 1 ha | 1 ha | 1 ha |
| Density | 180 kg | 180 kg | 180 kg |
| Date de seeding | 20/11/2017 | 20/11/2017 | 20/11/2017 |
| Soil preparation | 3 ploughing | 3 ploughing | 3 ploughing |
| Fertilizer | 100 kg DAP | 100 kg DAP | 100 kg DAP |
| Ammonitrate | 340 kg | 340 kg | 340 kg |
| Herbicides | 1 chemical | 1 chemical | 1 chemical |
| Fungicide treatment | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Stage of application of Sanbio Epsomit | Ear emergence | Ear emergence | Ear emergence |
| Date of application of Sanbio EPSOMIT | – | 10/03/2018 | 10/032018 + 25/03/2018 |
| Dosage of Sanbio EPSOMIT | – | 1 kg / ha | 2x 1 kg / ha |
| Mode of application | – | Foliar spray | Foliar spray |
| Average annual rainfall | 600mm | 600mm | 600mm |
| Date of harvest | 29/07/2018 | 29/07/2018 | 29/07/2018 |
| Yield q/ha) | 36.6 | 40.6 | 44.6 |
Figure 1. Timeline of season
Figure 2. Yield [q/ha]
4. Conclusion
Sanbio EPSOMIT has shown good positive effects on plants and production. A few weeks after the first application of Sanbio EPSOMIT we found good vegetation, growth and vigour of plants in plots treated by Sanbio EPSOMIT relative to the control plot. After a single application of 1 kg of Sanbio EPSOMIT in Lot 1 we increased the production of 4 q/ha and 8 q/ha in Lot 2 after two applications of 1 kg Sanbio EPSOMIT compared to control lot. The seed quality of the two plots treated by Sanbio EPSOMIT is better than that of the control lot. In both treated plots the production was increased and the quality of straw improved compared to the control.
Picture 1. Consultation at site
Picture 2. Application of Sanbio EPSOMIT by foliar spray
Picture 3. Application of Sanbio EPSOMIT by foliar spray
Picture 4. Harvesting
