Using Microbes to Lower the Freezing Point in Tomatoes

[BigVanVader]

Originally Posted by PhilaGardener

Glad your Internet is back up and running, Carolyn!

Kaolin sprays, like Surround, also have potential in preventing ice crystal damage and are acceptable to a wide variety of growers.

https://agresearchmag.ars.usda.gov/2000/nov/white/

"In his (ARS' Michael E. Wisniewski, a plant physiologist at Kearneysville) tests in environmental chambers, kaolin-treated tomato and bean plants have withstood temperatures as low as 21°F (-6°C). They normally die when the thermometer drops to 28°F (-2°C)."

I used Surround last year and was impressed. I plan to use it more regularly and heavy this year. In a greenhouse it is a silver bullet to protect against temp extremes and seemed to help keep everything off the plants. Even disease spores.