Dunkels Turbo Tomato

[Gardeneer]

Originally Posted by RayR

Nothing wrong with that. Are you mixing 5 gal batches at a time?
What kind of foliar diseases do you have to deal with?



Actinovate, fish hydrolysate/kelp extract, molasses, aerated compost tea, that's all stuff where you would want the runoff to get into the soil.

That is the point:
If you get more runoff to the soil, how can you say that the effect came from foliar spraying ?
That is what Ginger quoted her master gardening teachers that benefits come from the runoff. So why bother with foliar spraying ?
That is my argument.

Gardeneer

[RayR]

Originally Posted by Gardeneer

That is the point:
If you get more runoff to the soil, how can you say that the effect came from foliar spraying ?
That is what Ginger quoted her master gardening teachers that benefits come from the runoff. So why bother with foliar spraying ?
That is my argument.

Gardeneer

I disagree since it's been well proven scientifically that plants can benefit from foliar applications that have nothing to do with any benefits from run off to the soil. It's common practice in field agriculture, hydroponics, and greenhouses whether you are applying nutrients, growth enhancers like hormones or biological controls for insects and pathogens.

Actinovate is a beneficial soil bacteria (Streptomyces lydicus WYEC 108) that produces antifungal compounds. It will populate leaves, stems and soil. It has to be on the leaves and stems to fight fungal foliar pathogens.

[FarmerShawn]

I've got foliage diseases that run the gamut, including gray mold and early blight. Last year I got a plastic mulch layer, so leaf runoff is no help at all now. But splashing from the soil isn't an issue, either, though I still trim lower leaves. Still, by the end of summer, after a rainy or humid spell, the nasties hit, partly because I simply run out of time for proper maintenance.
I also switch in some Serenade from time to time, instead of the Actinovate. A five gallon mix would probably be a good idea, but I just mix it up in my four gallon backpack sprayer.


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