Effects of Kaolin On Blueberry Plants .pptVIP

Effects of Kaolin Clay (Surround WP) On Blueberry Plants James D. Spiers, Frank B. Matta, Blair Sampson, John B. Braswell, Donna S. Marshall Surround WP Demonstrated consistent control or suppression of almost all the major and minor apple insect pests. The Organic Materials Review Institute officially recognized Surround as “organic” in 2000. Surround actually increases net photosynthesis, and can provide secondary benefits to the trees’ overall health. Keeps the tree cool so that photosynthesis can continue longer into the afternoon on hot days, after untreated trees have already shut down because of heat stress. Surround WP continued. Surround WP is a wettable powder which leaves a white, protective, powdery film on the surfaces of leaves, stems, and fruit. Deters insects in several ways. Tiny particles attach to insects, agitating and repelling them. Insects find the plant unrecognizable as a host. Thrips (Frankliniella spp.) Hide within parts of flowers not easily penetrated by insecticides. Excessive feeding on floral buds, open flowers, or developing fruit can reduce yield by inducing premature fruit abortion. Color alone may attract some thrips species, but if UV reflectance is high, then anthophilous thrips are repelled from the surface of attractive colors. Project Goals Determine effects of Surround WP on insect control (thrips) of rabbiteye blueberry plants. Determine the effects of kaolin on fruit set, development, and berry size when applied to southern highbush blueberry plants during early flower stages. Determine effects of kaolin on blueberry yield, quality, and plant growth. Determine the stage of development when kaolin clay could be the most beneficial to blueberry plants. Study 1 - Effect of Surround WP on thrips population. Three rabbiteye blueberry cultivars (‘Delite’, ‘Tifblue’, and ‘Woodard’) were arranged in a Latin square design. Treatments consisted of sprayed and unsprayed plants. Sprayed plants were sprayed with Surround WP on 3 oc