It sure has been a blistering beginning to 2018, with the country experiencing its third-warmest January on record and some locations registering their highest ever January temperatures.
And the Bureau of Meteorology advises there is still more heat to come, with a medium to high chance of above median maximum temperatures and UV radiation levels for the rest of February, and extending into March.
And while you are likely feeling the heat, so are your crops. High levels of infrared and ultraviolet light combined with high temperatures can result in sunburn damage and heat stress. But the good news is that crop damage in these conditions is avoidable.
Avoid crop damage
Surround® Crop Protectant reduces sunburn and heat stress damage on your valuable crops when used as per the product label.
By decreasing harmful light and lowering temperatures and UV levels at the fruit surface, Surround reduces damage without inhibiting photosynthesis.
Calcined kaolin
The key ingredient in Surround is natural kaolin clay that has been specially engineered using advanced Particle Film Technology.
Calcined kaolin is formed by heating the clay which modifies the crystals to form a highly reflective, 3-dimensional structure. This unique kaolin formulation, only present in Surround, reflects radiation more effectively compared to hydrous kaolin and calcium carbonate.
The result is an optimum formulation giving superior crop protection against sunburn and heat stress.
Apply early
And the key to this protection is the timing of the Surround application—it must be applied early, before the heat event.
Applying after extreme heat or even after spikes in temperature will not protect crops.
So, apply Surround early for maximum sun protection.
For more information contact AgNova Technologies on 03 9899 8100 or
www.agnova.com.au
See this article in Tree Fruit Feb 2018
