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NW WA state

Hello all,
I’m new to this group but have been a commercial bedding plant grower for 30 years. I’m watching over Boom Boom’s patch while she’s away traveling. One of my tasks is to foliar feed the vines, which I did… things went just fine… well mostly anyway.
In my experience, I've always used a surfactant for any foliar applications.. fertilize, insecticide, or whatever. Today, without it, I noticed a fair amount of beading and am wonder if there is a recommended surfactant among the group. She speaks very highly of this group and so I thought I’d ask before just jumping in.
After having tried many commercial brands, I still would choose a cheap brand of liquid dish detergent as my top choice. I’ve used it on a myriad of varieties, under all types of environmental conditions, and have never really seen any detriments to it’s use. About a teaspoon or less per gallon in spraying situations to about a cup per 500 gallons of irrigation water, really seems to help absorption rates.
Anyway, I’d really appreciate your thoughts.

8/6/2008 9:44:58 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Any commercial non-ionic surfactant will do. Surfactants, as you stated, will break the surface tension of water and increase absorption rates as well as break down the cuticle layer. Your rate of 1 tsp. of detergent will suffice.

Just wait until we all tell Erin how badly you've treated her plants. She will S#@T!!!

8/6/2008 10:27:44 PM

NW WA state

Hey… I resemble that remark! Now why would I be afraid of what Erin might think…?? but please don’t tell her I said that.. she would just #!@&**. Oh she’s such a sweet heart…
I’m thinkin’ I may just send in a few pictures to show the GREAT job I’m doin’.
Thanks for the input.
Just Grow It!

8/6/2008 11:25:10 PM

Grants Pass, Oregon

Keep up the good work Just Growing It

8/7/2008 12:36:41 AM