Page 11 - Griffin Gazette Issue 1 - 2020

Despite the long list of benefits from Florel applications, some growers struggle with
inconsistent or inferior results from their applications. At times, expected results were not
realized and at other times unexpected crop damage has occurred. In an effort to understand
what is behind the variability, researchers have looked at various aspects of mixing and applying
Florel. Maximizing the effects of this plant hormone requires us to master some numbers.

5.0 is the mark to hit when monitoring 500ppm is the most common rate 73°F appears to be the maximum
the pH of Florel spray solutions. If the used for Florel applications, but it is temperature to apply Florel and
final spray solution pH is above 5.0, not always the ideal rate. Trial a range achieve the expected results.
the full effectiveness of Florel will not of rates on crops that you have not Roberto Lopez of Michigan State
be realized. Florel is acidic, but high previously treated with Florel to zero University studied and demonstrated
alkalinity water sources will probably in on the correct rate. Mandevilla, the response of petunias and ivy
need additional acidification to hit that purslane, and Calliope geraniums geraniums to Florel at a range of
number. Growers using acid injection are examples of crops that can be temperatures. The best ways to
to mitigate excess alkalinity in their adversely affected by 500 ppm Florel evaluate the effectiveness of a Florel
irrigation water may already have what applications. Research by Jim Faust application is to measure the days to
they need if that treated water is used of Clemson University showed higher bloom and the number of branches
to mix Florel. Griffin sells a product rates, 750-1,000 ppm, were required per plant. The image below shows that
called Indicate 5 that is added to the to return garden mums to a vegetative both crops demonstrated a consistent
spray tank before adding pesticides. state when exposed to persistent response to Florel from 57 to 73°F, but
This drops the pH of the spray water, cool nights and subsequent pre- at 79°F the plants no longer appear to
indicated by a color change. Mix up mature budding. As Florel is a stress respond to the treatment. It is possible
a small batch of Florel at the desired enhancer, even applying the correct that the temperature at the time of
ppm and use a calibrated pH pen rates to plants under stress may lead application may account for much of
to determine if the pH has been to crop damage. the variability in plant responses that
corrected to the proper range. growers have reported.

Ambient temperature at application influences efficacy

GRIFFIN GAZETTE 2020 | 11