AN EFFECTIVE METHOD OF FUNGICIDE AND INSECTICIDE APPLICATION TO FOLIAGE

The process of foliar spraying for fungicide and insecticide applications requires the correct timing. Foliar spraying should never be carried out in direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves from indica seeds for sale online and degrade active substances in the solution. Instead, it is best to spray indoor plants during early evening, when the plant’s pores are open and able to absorb the solution faster. In the case of indoor plants, spraying should take place at the beginning of the darkest part of the day.

KSi foliar spraying

The use of KSi foliar sprays has been used since the 1990s as a way to reduce biotic stress in plants. A comparison of the two methods revealed that the foliar sprays significantly reduced fungal colony counts. This is attributed to the ‘coating effect’ of potassium silicates on the leaf cuticle. The silicates form a physical barrier on the leaf surface, preventing fungal conidia from penetrating through the leaf’s epidermis.

 

For foliar applications of fungicides, silicate is mixed with a variety of organic compounds. Silicate sprays contain nanoparticles of silica with a diameter of 20-40 nm. The resulting solution is a mix of diluted silica, organic compounds, and water. This solution is highly acidic and should be diluted greatly with water to reach a safe pH level. In addition to this, wetting agents are added to reduce soil erosion.

 

KSi foliar spraying for insects and fungicides is an environmentally-safe option for pesticide application

The silicates present in the spray form an effective physical barrier on the leaf surface. The resulting film possesses little direct effect on plant growth. In addition, KSi foliar sprays are applied by broadcasting or banded.

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In a study conducted in California, researchers found that KSi foliar spraying was not significantly different from foliar application of NaMo. The KSi foliar sprays significantly reduced powdery mildew lesions on cucumber, greenhouse grown roses, and field-grown mango. They also delayed disease incidence by a few days. The results were encouraging.

KSi foliar spraying reduced the intensity of soybean rust by 36% and 43%, respectively. However, KSi and KOH were not significantly different from epoxiconazole and pyraclostrobin treatments. Although KSi was not a completely effective treatment for soybean rust, it could have some value for monoculture soybeans, where the presence of high-yielding cultivars makes them unviable.

Silica nanotechnology

The potential for agrochemicals to be released as small particles through Silica nanotechnology is huge. For example, a new nanoparticle developed from the essential oil of Artemisia arborescens L has been successfully applied to sorghum plants using foliar spraying. A recent study also demonstrated that nanoparticles of the essential oil of Artemisia arborescens L are highly effective as a fungicide and insecticide.

Researchers have developed a new fungus-mediated silver nanoparticle based on nanotechnology. These nanoparticles are capable of killing fungi, a major threat to agriculture. Researchers from India have made use of this nanotechnology to develop a new bio-pesticide for fungi. It also has the potential to reduce crop losses due to fungus and insecticides.

In addition to biotechnology, nanotechnology is now being developed in the agriculture industry. 

Nanotechnology is already used for many applications, from the development of new varieties resistant to insects to nano feed additives. Nanotechnology is also promising to speed up biomass-to-fuel technologies. Experts weigh the benefits of nanotechnology in agriculture against possible adverse effects on soil, water, and workers. One way to increase consumer acceptance of nanotechnology in the agri-food industry is to promote awareness about the benefits of the technology.

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Side Notes

Despite being the second most abundant element on the planet after oxygen, silicon has recently gained importance in agriculture. Although it is not necessary for plants to grow, it confers significant benefits on their growth. Nanoparticles can elongate roots and activate plant defense systems. Consequently, it can enhance plant health and help plants acclimate to different stress conditions.