Page 14 - Griffin Gazette - July 2026

crop, and production type. Reach out to Griffin’s GGSPro or Biostimulants
Construction Departments for more information on selecting
the right shading product for your specific needs. “Biostimulants” are a quickly growing addition to the
grower's toolbox. By definition, this vast umbrella of
products is designed to promote healthy growth without
Weed Control directly providing nutrition to the plant. The biostimulant

Weeds steal water and nutrients from crops and ultimately category includes a diverse array of ingredients that work
decrease plant value by their nuisance. Physical and/or by numerous mechanisms to enhance and protect plant
chemical weed control can provide benefits that transcend health. For example, biostimulants can work by promoting
a single season. This season’s seeds are next year’s weeds. hormonal pathways in the plant cells, providing a protective
That is, unless they germinate sooner, which might be next barrier on surface tissues, and by improving nutrient uptake.
week. Replace tattered ground cover cloth as the first line Some biostimulants can promote branching and flowering,
of defense against invading weeds. Apply post-emergent while others promote drought and salt tolerance. Drought
herbicides, hand weed, mow, or do whatever is necessary tolerance delays wilting and helps plants rebound after
to prevent the blooming and seeding stages of weeds near severe dry-down events. It has been reported that the water
crop areas. requirements for summer containers may be reduced by as
much as 50 percent with the use of effective biostimulants.
A number of post-emergent herbicides can be used as a Although we still have a long way to go in learning the full
directed spray to target weeds. Several of these utilize ‘softer’ capabilities of products currently available on the market,
chemistry that is more environmentally friendly and kill or burn we have outlined some solutions that we have seen have
down the foliage. Products in this category include Axxe, a repeatable positive impact for growers. Note - plant
Cheetah Pro, Finale XL T&O, Hoplite, and Scythe. Perennial responses vary by species, so small-scale trials are
weeds can be prevented from seeding with the use of these recommended before investing in inputs across your entire
products, but eradication requires a systemic product to production system.
kill the roots, such as glyphosate-containing Ranger Pro or
RoundUp. A range of pre-emergent herbicides is available Humic & fulvic acids derived from Leonardite coal have long
for use in crop production areas, including in the greenhouse been known to promote plant growth. These earth-derived
and directly over compatible crops listed on the product substances promote growth in part by delivering nutrients to
label. Contact GGSPro for the best options for your situation the roots and also by promoting the proliferation of beneficial
and production schedule. In the end, whichever approach is organisms in the soil. Humic substances can increase shoot
chosen, prevention is by far the most cost-effective strategy and root growth and increase the nutrient content of the
when it comes to weed management. plant tissues. Griffin offers Humax, Fulmax, and Essential
Plus as concentrated, water-soluble sources.

Silicon is another earth-derived product, with several
beneficial impacts on plants. Silicon helps to regulate
water use efficiency and transpiration and protects against
stress due to drought, high or low temperatures, and
sunlight. Silicon is a unique active ingredient that can act
as a biostimulant, preventative fungicide, or preventative
insecticide depending on the product, plant, and application
method. AgSil products can be applied to the foliage, or the
root zone for maximum silicon accumulation in the plant.
Sil-MATRIX LC is a preventative fungicide and insecticide for
foliar applications.

Chitosan triggers the plant's natural immune system
(Systemic Acquired Resistance – SAR) to prevent or reduce
the incidence of fungal, bacterial, and some viral pathogens.
WarHammer is a proven, grower-friendly Chitosan product
within the industry used as a nematicide, fungicide, and
bactericide. It is recommended as a foliar spray or drench

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