Foliar sprays are useful for delivering fertilizers, fungicides, pesticides and PGR’s to plants.
Fig 4 Foliar fertilizers can be effective for quickly correcting nutrient deficiency symptoms in hydroponics
Foliar sprays can be broadly categorized as either “systemic” or “non-systemic”. “Systemic” spays are absorbed into the plant via ‘stomata’ and then transported via the vascular system to where they are needed (Fig 1). Foliar fertilizers, PGR’s and many fungicides are common examples of systemic sprays. “Non-systemic” sprays are used to treat problems located on the surface of the leaf. Most pesticides are non-systemic. Fungicides used to treat certain types of “surface” fungi such as mildews are also usually non-systemic.
Fig 2 Unless a wetting agent is used, foliar sprays will remain as large droplets. This severely restricts their absorption. Fig 3 Wetting agents lower the surface tension of the foliar spray solution so that the droplet collapses and covers a larger area.
Wetting Agents
A wetting agent (or ‘wetter’) should always be added to foliar spray solutions. Wetters are a plant specific surfactant that improve a spray’s capacity to “wet” and penetrate foliage. Where systemic sprays are being used, the spray is able to cover and enter more stomata. This increases the opportunity for absorption (Fig 2 & 3).
An improper wetting agent can cause problems such as foliar toxicity symptoms and prevent the foliar spray from entering the stomata. In the absence of a wetter, large droplets will form on the leaves. These will either roll off the leaf quickly and be wasted, or may cause burning when intense light is present.
Systemic foliar sprays such as fertilizers and fungicides enter the plant via pores called ‘stomata’. Ensure to spray the underside of leaves where the majority of stomata are located.
Best Practices for Foliar Spraying
Without proper practice, foliar sprays can be wasted or cause problems such as leaf burn and mould. The following guidelines will help prevent the above mentioned problems from occurring:
1. Test compatibility before spraying the entire crop i.e. Test-spray a small patch of leaves and observe for at least 2 weeks.
2. The best time to spray is usually early morning, about 1 hour before daylight. This gives stomata sufficient time to absorb before light recommences. Spraying earlier than this risks mould growth because the foliage will be damp for a longer period of time.
FloraMax Clone Spray produces explosive root growth in cuttings. Photo credit – P.B. Detroit Michigan
3. For systemic sprays especially, avoid spraying when the air temperature is above ~25°C (77°F). Absorption at these temperatures is poor because in many species the stomata are generally closed. Also, the spray can dry too quickly and cause leaf burn and staining.
4. The spray device should be fitted with nozzles that produce a fine mist. This helps maximize surface coverage, especially on the underside of leaves where the majority of stomata are located. This is also important for non-systemic sprays such as pesticides because insects tend to harbour on the underside of foliage.
5. Spray when wind is minimal. This is especially important with finely atomized sprays because they drift readily. If growing indoors ensure oscillating fans and ventilation units are switched off.
6. Only lightly spray the leaves and stems with a thin film of moisture. There should be little or no run-off. Drenching the surface of the foliage is wasteful and can restrict the stomata’s ability to absorb.
7. Use low salinity/ soft water. This will reduce the risk of leaf staining and burning.
8. Where growing outdoors, delay spraying if rain is imminent. If rainfall occurs within 1 hour of spraying, re-spray within the next 1-2 days.
