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Influence of Kaolin Clay Applications on Blueberry
Yields during Low-Chill Seasons in West-Central
FloridaBielinski M. Santos
Gulf Coast Research and Education CenterIFAS, University of Florida
Crop Protectants
Reduce transpiration and sun scalding.
Based on calcium carbonate, kaolin clay or wax.
Surround WP.
Degradable.
Previous Studies with Kaolin
a b b c a a b
Control 8 d + kaolin 6 d + kaolin 4 d + kaolin0
1
2
3
4
Early Fruit Weight (ton/acre)
a a a b
Why Surround and Blueberries?
Previous study: Kaolin clay application reduced bud temperatures.
What happens during low-chilling winters?
Would kaolin increase the number of chilling hours?
Objective
Determine effects of foliar application programs of kaolin clay on the marketable yield of southern highbush blueberries.
Materials and Methods
Two-year study: 2011-12 & 2012-13.
Gulf Coast REC, Balm, Florida.
3-year-old ‘Jewel’ (1500 plants/acre).
Pine bark beds.
No hydrogen cyanamide.
Materials and Methods
Surround (25 lb/acre).
Regular sprayer (100 gal/acre of water).
Non-treated, Weekly
applications,Biweekly
applications.
Materials and Methods
Application from Sept. 15 to Dec. 15.
Eight harvests starting in early March.
Early and total fruit weights.
160 h ≤45oF between Sept. 1 and March 1 of each season.
Bud Minimum Temp. 2011 (oF)
Treatment
OctoberNovemb
erDecemb
er
None 48 44 35
Weekly 42 39 33
Biweekly
47 43 35
Bud Minimum Temp. 2012 (oF)
Treatment
OctoberNovemb
erDecemb
er
None 45 40 36
Weekly 41 36 33
Biweekly
45 39 35
Treatment Early Totalton/acre
None 1.30 b 2.16Weekly 1.68 a 2.47
Biweekly 1.31 b 2.20Significanc
e * NS
Summary
Surround seems to decrease bud temperatures.
Weekly applications (6 to 8) of Surround improved early yield (+29%).
More research needed in large fields.
What about regular winters?
Thanks!bmsantos@ufl.
edu813-468-6322