In kaolin application to different surfaces large amount of solution dropped down the fruit, specially on fruits that have smooth surfaces. What kind of material could increase the kaolin adhesion to those kind of fruit surfaces?
I think you don't need any material, since the kaolin can good adhesion on such surface
may be the adhesion is related with the concentration used from kaolin
From my experience, you should add a surfactant. Like Triton X 100 at 0.025% and spray the tree. This will result in an even cover of a thin deposit. On top of the first cover you can spray again and get excellent adhesion. I did it on very waxy fruits like mango and persimmon. On apple generally there is no problem.
We have also used kaolin clay particles at a dose rate of 3-5 Kg/100 L adding in the tank mix a non ionic surfactant. But the most important thing to do is repeated sprays with this mixture, as soon as the previous sprayed material has dried and formed a thin layer on the surface sprayed. By a single spray we were not able to achieve the desired coverage, so we did three sprays within the same day to achieve the coverage we wanted. If you do not have the time to do it, you should repeat the spray in the next few days (assuming no rain has occurred).
the rate of water per acre seems to be your problem. the rate should not exceed the "the first water drop drop" of water. the recommended rates are the following:
Avocados and Citrus - Mix 50-100 lbs.
KAOLIN per 100 gallons water and apply 100-
250 gallons finished spray per acre, depending on tree size.
Deciduous Fruit Trees, Berries and Vines, including
Apricots, Blueberries, Cherries, Grapes, Nectarines, Peaches,
Plums, Prunes, etc. - Mix 50-75 lbs. KAOLIN per 100 gallons water and apply 100-400 gallons
finished spray per acre, depending on tree size.
Vegetable and Row Crops, including Melons, Onions,
Peppers, Tomatoes, etc. - Mix 50-100 lbs.
KAOLIN per 100 gallons water and apply 50-
150 gallons finished spray per acre.
Walnuts - Mix 50-100 lbs. KAOLIN
SPRAY per 100 gallons water and apply 100-500 gallons
finished spray per acre, depending on tree size.
Nursery and Ornamentals - Mix 25-50 lbs. GREEN
KAOLIN per 100 gallons water and
apply 50-100 gallons finished spray per acre.
Talc is another available solution used as fruit protection. it typically has a stronger adhesion to fruit surface than kaolin but need to be verified fruit by fruit.
@Peter Biza Talc is interesting... I am looking for a way to sunscreen no-bearing apples to help them continue to grow through the summer. Would talc work? Is it at all rainfast?
If you use a surfactant with the first application and follow it with a second application without surfactant you will get better adherance and good white cover.
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