Water insecurity is an on-going challenge for Australian growers but fortunately, there are multiple resources you can use to manage these conditions and keep crops healthy through the summer. 

These treatments have the potential to provide crops with the resilience and resources they need to combat the arid conditions Australia is currently facing.

Here are a few worth considering:

FOR PROTECTION AGAINST HEAT STRESS

Product: Megafol, produced by Valagro

Supplier: E.E. Muir & Sons

WHAT IT IS?

Megafol is a foliar applied, natural biostimulant derived from numerous extracts including the well renowned seaweed Ascophyllum Nodosum.  It reduces the impact of environmental stresses and helps promote growth.

HOW IT WORKS

When the product penetrates the leaf it acts within the plant by both supporting and stimulating metabolic activities, resulting in a more robust plant at the cellular level. As a result, plants are less damaged by stress events and recover more promptly.

• Supports plant metabolism and improve photosynthetic activity
• Increases resistance against environmental stresses
• Improves metabolic functions, growth & development

APPLICATION:

Ideally, Megafol is applied 12-48 hours prior to the weather events that cause stress, allowing the stimulation to occur and give the plant time to prepare itself. Applications post stress events will also aid plant recovery. The recommended dosage is 250mL/100L water, applied every 7-14 days.

For more information about Megafol and Valagro’s range of biostimulants and nutrient solutions visit their website www.valagro.com or download their App ‘Valagro E-Hub’.

TO RELIEVE SYMPTOMS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS

Product: Photon 500SG

Supplier: Agricrop

WHAT IT IS?

Photon 500SG is a water-soluble granule which is a blend of plant-derived dicarboxylic acids. Photon 500SG reduces the impact of stress, such as light, heat, drought, chilling and other environmental conditions that can negatively impact on crop growth.

HOW IT WORKS

Photon works by acting as a vaccine, triggering the plant stress sensors to overcome an external stress like excessive heat or chill. 

• Manipulates the plants stress sensors so it can react more quickly and effectively to stress events.

APPLICATION

Photon’s low rates of application make for easy mixing. Because of its high compatibility, growers can apply Photon along with their convention season spray programs. There will also be no issues with residue removal post-harvest, as Photon leaves no residue.

For more information on Photon 500SG go to: https://www.agricrop.com.au/photon

HOW TO MAINTAIN QUALITY

Product: Serenade Prime

Supplier: Bayer

WHAT IT IS?

Bayer’s Serenade Prime is essentially beneficial bacteria. It utilises one specific species of bacteria, Bacillus Subtillis. This strain provides benefits to the function of the root-soil interface in crop plants. Bayer developed the highly active QST 713 strain, which has extreme speed in the colonisation of roots and has a superior ability to provide plants with increased access to soil resources. 

HOW IT WORKS

Serenade Prime contains a guaranteed quantity of viable spores of the QST 713 strain in a liquid suspension formulation and works by having these beneficial bacteria live on plant root surfaces and in the soil around the plant root systems; a zone called the rhizosphere. 

• It helps to facilitate the relationship between plants and beneficial bacteria in the rhizosphere. 
• Encourages growth by making resources such as nutrients and water become more available through the mutually beneficial plant/bacteria relationship. 

APPLICATION

Serenade Prime can be applied as a treatment both prior to planting or in the field, and is suitable for most crop types.

For more information on Serenade Prime go to: https://www.crop.bayer.com.au/find-crop-solutions/by-product/bayer-biologics/serenade-prime?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2ez7juuS5QIVxxiPCh1J5w0xEAAYASAAEgJMffD_BwE

TO INCREASE WATER RETENTION OF SOIL 

Product: Liquid Saturaid

Supplier: AGS Solutions

WHAT IT IS

SaturAid is a wetting agent well known to Australian growers. AGS also supply SaturAid for varying other applications across the horticultural industry, in both liquid and granular forms.

HOW IT WORKS

Wetting agents enhance the distribution and dynamics of soil moisture within water-repellent soil profiles, improving water transport over the short term. SaturAid improves the water retention ability of soil, reducing the need to reapply as frequently. 

• Breaks up the water’s surface tension, allowing it to flow more readily. 
• Reduces ‘beading’ of water in hydrophobic soils, improving the penetration of water to all areas of the soil where the plant can access water. 
• SaturAid improves growth rates as well as encouraging a more vibrant root system for up to nine months
  

APPLICATION

Whether it’s used on lawns, gardens or incorporated into potting mix, SaturAid is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly option that is completely safe for use on plants and through irrigation systems, helping to retain more water capacity. 

For more information on liquid Saturaid go to: https://www.agsolutions.net.au/saturaid

Contact the Boomaroo sales team to further discuss how the above treatment options can benefit your growing program and for more information on other solutions to increase plant resilience and health.