NovaSource Surround WP - Kaolin 95% - Agricultural Crop Protectant - 25 Pound (80/Plt)

SURROUND® WP Agricultural Crop Protectant is a multi-functional, mineral-based product designed to protect crops from sunburn, heat stress, and insect damage. Its active ingredient, kaolin (95%), forms a protective particle film on plant surfaces, offering a natural and effective solution for improving plant health and yield. SURROUND® is OMRI-listed and certified for organic use in the USA, Europe, and Washington State, making it ideal for sustainable farming practices.

Key Benefits

1. Sunburn Protection:
   Reduces sunburn damage by up to 50%, shielding fruit from yield-reducing heat stress. Forms a reflective barrier that protects against direct sunlight.

2. Temperature Regulation:
   Lowers canopy temperatures, enhancing photosynthesis and improving plant vigor during high heat conditions.

3. Insect Suppression:
   Acts as a physical barrier, suppressing pests like Asian Citrus Psyllid (which vectors Citrus Greening/Huanglongbing or HLB). Reduces the need for conventional insecticides by inhibiting insect feeding and disease spread.

4. Improved Plant Health:
   Enhances fruit quality, size, and marketability under hot growing conditions. Promotes higher yields and healthier plants.

How SURROUND® Works

SURROUND® protects plants through three key mechanisms:

1. Sunburn and Heat Stress Protection:
   The calcined kaolin particle film reflects sunlight and reduces heat stress on fruit and foliage.

2. Cooling Effect:
   Keeps plant canopies cooler, improving photosynthesis efficiency and reducing water stress.

3. Insect Suppression:
   Creates a physical barrier that deters pests from feeding and laying eggs, reducing insect populations and disease transmission.

Unique Advantage

SURROUND® is the only sunscreen product with labeled and proven insect suppression capabilities, making it a versatile tool for crop protection. It combines sunburn protection, heat stress reduction, and pest management in one product.

Application Guidelines

Mixing Instructions

• Agitating Sprayer Tanks:

  1. Add SURROUND® slowly to water with continuous agitation.

  2. Add tank-mix pesticides (if compatible).

  3. Maintain agitation until spraying is complete.

• Non-Agitating Sprayers (e.g., backpack sprayers):

  1. Use ¼ to ½ lb (1.5 to 3 cups) per gallon of water.

  2. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.

  3. Add tank-mix pesticides (if compatible).

  4. Shake again before use.

Application Rates

• General Use: 25–50 lbs per 100 gallons of water.

• Maximum Rate: 100 lbs per 100 gallons (for specific crops).

• Coverage: Apply to near-drip coverage. Reapply as needed (every 7–14 days).

Reapplication

• Reapply after heavy rain, wind erosion, or new growth.

• Reapply when the white film is no longer visible or when rubbing leaves leaves no residue on a dark cloth.

Crop-Specific Instructions

Tree Fruits (e.g., Apples, Pears, Citrus)

• Pests Suppressed: Aphids, mites, leafhoppers, thrips, codling moth, etc.

• Sunburn Protection: Apply 1–2 full-rate sprays 7 days apart before heat stress.

• Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI): Can be applied up to the day of harvest.

• Special Notes: For fresh market apples, stop applications 2 months before harvest to avoid residue.

Stone Fruits (e.g., Peaches, Cherries, Plums)

• Pests Suppressed: Japanese beetles, thrips, plum curculio, etc.

• Washing Instructions: For fresh market peaches, wash with detergent to remove residue.

Grapes

• Pests Suppressed: Thrips, leafhoppers, grape berry moth, etc.

• Harvest Notes: Delay in maturity possible; monitor harvest parameters closely.

Vegetables (e.g., Tomatoes, Cucurbits, Leafy Greens)

• Pests Suppressed: Aphids, flea beetles, thrips, etc.

• Application: Use lower rates for seedlings; increase as plants grow.

• Fresh Market: Avoid applications on crops that cannot be washed post-harvest.

Nuts (e.g., Almonds, Pecans, Walnuts)

• Pests Suppressed: Aphids, codling moth, husk fly, etc.

• Sunburn Protection: Apply at 25–50 lbs per 100 gallons.

Berries (e.g., Blueberries, Raspberries)

• Pests Suppressed: Blueberry maggot, thrips, spider mites, etc.

• Application: Apply only up to 3 weeks after fruit set for processing berries.

Compatibility

• Compatible with most insecticides, miticides, and fungicides.

• Incompatible With: Oil-based products, diatomaceous earth, or other sunburn materials (may cause post-harvest wash-off issues).

Safety and Precautions

• Hazards: Causes moderate eye irritation. Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

• PPE Required: Long sleeves, pants, socks, shoes, and a dust/mist-filtering respirator.

• Environmental Hazards: Do not apply directly to water or contaminate water sources.

• First Aid: Rinse eyes for 15–20 minutes if exposed. Seek medical advice if necessary.

Storage and Disposal

• Storage: Keep in a dry, sheltered location away from food or feed.

• Disposal: Dispose of unused product and containers according to local regulations. Do not reuse containers.

Ideal For

• Organic Growers: Seeking a natural solution for insect and heat stress management.

• Farmers: Aiming to improve fruit quality and yield under challenging environmental conditions.

Conclusion

SURROUND® is a multi-functional crop protectant that combines sunburn protection, temperature regulation, and insect suppression in one product. Its organic certifications make it an ideal choice for sustainable farming practices, ensuring healthier plants and higher-quality produce. Always follow label instructions for optimal results.