Seasol for Cold Tolerance
Effective frost management requires a multi-facetted strategy.
As part of such a program, Seasol products are effective in providing improved coldstress tolerance within 5-7 days of a foliar application. Applied at 10L/ha its effects can last for 2 to 3 weeks.
In all cases, Seasol products should only be used to improve the effectiveness of the existing frost management system – not to replace it.
However, even the best protected crops can sometimes still be damaged by frost. Should damage occur, Seasol products can also be used to aid re-growth and recovery.
Here are the key points to remember when using Seasol products to help increase cold-stress tolerance:
- Spray or Fertigate? The use of Seasol products via irrigation can help increase cold tolerance, but it takes 10 to 15 days for full effectiveness. Foliar sprays need only 5 to 7 days to achieve the same result, but are less effective early in the season, without sufficient leaf area available.
- Do NOT Tank-mix. Pesticides may be compatible with Seasol products for general purposes, but field experience shows they may reduce cold tolerance benefits.
- After a Frost. When plants are damaged by a frost, it is important to stimulate healthy new growth. Seasol products can be used through fertigation or foliar sprays to aid this process.
| STAGE | TIMING | RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Prime for cold | Start as early in the season as possible, or (for perennial crops), use a post-harvest application the season prior | 10L/ha |
| Prepare for cold | 2-4 applications every 3-4 weeks depending on weather | 5L/ha |
| Pending Frosts | Seasol Commercial foliar spray as soon as forecasts show developing cold conditions | 10L/ha |
| Post-frost recovery | Use a post-harvest application (for perennial crops), or start as early in the season as possible | 10L/ha |