Anti-Stress Proven Effective in Reduced Frost/Freeze Damages
Frost/Freeze can be considered the growers worst enemy. After efforts to grow a successful plant or crop, a severe frost or even a light freeze can often prove disastrous . The ability of plants and crops to resist freeze damages is in direct proportion to their ability to retain moisture in the cell structure. Anti-Stress assists in the survival of the plants by providing a shield in the form of a coating which completely covers and adheres to the total surface of the plant including stem, leaves,
buds or flowers. This may be compared to a mini greenhouse. The coating assists the plant to maintain a positive water balance in the cell structure by reducing the effects of drying or cold winds and providing a barrier against frost and the impact of freezing conditions.
The original evaluation of Anti-Stress for frost protection was completed in 1989 at Fresno State University, Fresno, California to determine the effectiveness against fruit drop on citrus when exposed to frost and freeze conditions. No statistics were taken. Visual results are shown below.
Results of 1989 Frost/Freeze Fresno State University
Results of 1990 Freeze in California
In mid December 1990, central California suffered a devastating freeze. The impact was especially damaging to the citrus and ornamental industries. Temperatures were recorded in the high teens for four days and nights. Anti-Stress was still considered a new product on the market and was being field tested in several areas partly because of the results of the 1989 test.
The 1990 freeze in California was much more severe than the frost in 1989. Not only was there fruit damage, but mature trees were severely damage in many areas. The full effects of Anti-Stress
were evaluated in many ways and over the years:
Comparison of leaf damage in 1990 Freeze
Comparison of internal fruit damage in 1990 freeze
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Left side Anti-Stress Treated / Right side No Anti-Stress/Control
The protective coating of Anti-Stress assists the plant to retain more moisture inside the fruit with less freeze damage. The coating also protects from ice markings which occur when moisture freezes on the fruit.
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Inside of the fruit shows the comparative amount moisture held in the fruit. Anti-Stress / Control
Comparative damage to cambium of trees from 1990 freeze
In 1997 final results of the 1990 freeze was analyzed by a grower who had only sprayed a portion of his citrus because of increasing freezing conditions that preventing drying of the water base polymer.
Anti-Stress Tested on Six Months Old Lemon Trees
On December 19, 1990 three products were field tested on 8A Lisbon lemon trees in the ground for six months. The check trees were sprayed with only water. Fifteen single replicates were randomized throughout the plot.
Four days later, December 23, a frost hit with temperatures below 32 degrees F for four hours and two hours at 28 degrees F. Trees were evaluated for damage two weeks later. Only the trees sprayed with Anti-Stress 2000 showed any significant protection over the water-only treatment. Other products did not indicate any aid to the tress in resisting cold tolerance.
This research study was done by Ben Faber and Nicholas Sakovich, Ventura County Farm
advisors, University of California, Ventura, California and was reported in the California Grower, December, 1991. ( All statistics available from Polymer Ag, Inc.)
England’s Fruit Growing Area Has Amazing Yields With Anti-Stress
In 1992, Highland court Farms near Canterbury, Kent, England sprayed only 2 acres of their 210 acres of apples with Anti-Stress (about 75% Cox). The orchard was exposed to frost during the “at risk” period in conjunction with extremely cold leaf scorching winds. The acreage sprayed with Anti-Stress was forgotten until harvest time when additional bins had to be brought into the treated area. The 70% increase in yield was so astonishing that Chris Jarvis began a five year test of Anti-Stress. An additional factor noted was the smoother skin of the treated apples.
The second year of testing prompted the test to be expanded to include areas which were less frost prone with generally only exposure to cold scorching winds. There wasn’t any frost in 1993. The yield increased 15% on one variety and 20% on another. Yields ran consistently from 10% to 20% dependent on variety in years with little or no frost.
In 1996 there was a hard frost at green cluster with cold easterly winds. One orchard received two regular sprays. Because supplies of Anti-Stress were low, the second field received only one spray which was applied along alternate rows resulting in only 25% of normal spray was applied. The two spray orchard yielded 92% more or 715 (30 lb.) units per acre, than the comparison which yielded 373 (30 lb.) units per acre.
In 1997 the area suffered the most devastating frost since the mid 30's. The orchards exposed to these devastating conditions worst received two sprays and harvested 600 unit per acre compared to the non-sprayed area with 200 units per acre.
Chris Jarvis reports he has received excellent results with pears and plums with yield increases up to 180%. One problem he noted was such a heavy fruit set, thinning may be needed.
Application rates used for these test: Two application of 3 pints/acre in 40 gallons of water.
The first applications was at bud burst and the second at green cluster.
Anti-Stress is distributed in the United Kingdom by Graham Amos., Agrichandler, Hook, Hants.
Results of Early Frost on Grape Vines
In the spring of 1999 as the grape vines were beginning to shoot, they were exposed to a damaging frost in the central valley of California. One local grower who had never used Anti-Stress but had heard positive comments regarding the product from other growers for frost protection made the decision to treat his orchard. The comparison pictures were the end results from treating with Anti-Stress. The positive results continued with an dramatic increase in yields at harvest. (Fields shown in pictures were side by side.)
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Thompson Seedless vines Frost damage/Control/No Anti-Stress Spring 1999, Fresno, CA.
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Thompson Seedless vines, Limited frost damage / treated with Anti-Stress. Vines were treated twice: 2-12-99 and again 3-10-99.
The results of the Anti-Stress treatment could not realistically be compared as the frost damage was so great. Results of the fruit set and size of clusters are shown below:
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Grape clusters were abundant, larger in size, with little beading at tips.
Anti-Stress Proves Effective on Tropical Plants in Low Temperatures
When temperatures fall below the comfort zone for many tropical plants, damages occur which may reduce cosmetic qualities of the plant. To reduce damage possibilities, tropical plants may be sprayed to give a comfort zone when exposed to low temperatures.
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The Aglonema is a tropical indoor plant that is damaged by temperatures around 50 degrees F or below.
One side of this plant was sprayed as a demonstration at a trade show in February 1992. Temperatures dropped to 28 degrees F in some areas during the night. The Anti-Stress treated left side had no damage, the untreated right side had severe damage to the leaves.
Anti-Stress Affects Recovery of Plants After Freeze
Two types of plants were treated with Anti-Stress to test recovery from the severe damage of the 1990 freeze.
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Left side no Anti-Stress/Control - Right side/Anti-Stress treated
(Miniature Rose Bushes after Freeze)
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Left side Anti-Stress treated/right Side No Anti-Stress/Control
Heat, Wind & Water Stress Affects Plant Growth and Production
Effects of Heat Stress
Whenever there is a temperature difference between the inside and outside of a leaf, moisture is removed from the plant cell. The film forming properties of Anti-Stress makes it an effective tool to reduce damages when plants are exposed to insufficient supplies of water. Generally, there is available water to the roots of the plants, but the surrounding climatic conditions of heat, drying winds, or sudden temperature changes draw water away from the foliage too quickly for uptake. In these conditions, wind or sunburn can destroy or damage foliage and young fruit.
The example of sudden temperature change was evident in the central valley of California when temperatures soared from the 80's to 113 degrees F. The pictures below were taken from two adjacent fields of Thompson Seedless Grapes.
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This field was sprayed: 1 quart per acre at 12" vines and 2 quarts per acre in full vine.
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Control /No Anti-Stress.
Israeli Agricultural Extension Services Test for Water Stress on Apples
Effects of Water Stress
In 1991, the Israeli Agricultural Extension Service in cooperation with Hagarin, a company distributing Anti-Stress in Israel, did a research study on water stress in apples. The study was conducted at Kibbutz Tzova by S. Antman, E. Yahalom and R. Nathan.
A sixteen-year-old orchard of Golden Delicious apple trees was used for the test. Anti-Stress was applied (1:66 ratio) 1 gallon to 66 gallons water on June 6 and again August 7. Irrigation was restricted with “wet” trials receiving 650m of water per dunam*, “dry” trials received 535m of water per dunam. (* about l/4 acre). Untreated blocks were maintained as controls.
| Results / Data: |
| Criterion |
Untreated |
Treated |
Increase |
% Change |
| Yield/ Tree (Dry Test) |
186.3+17 |
218.5+21 |
36.2 kg |
+17.81% |
| Yield /Tree (wet Test) |
173.4+10 |
215.9+28 |
60.2 kg |
+32.99% |
| Yield/ Dunham (Dry Test) |
5589 |
6555 |
966 kg |
+17.28 |
| Yield/ Dunham (wet Test) |
5202 |
6477 |
1275 kg |
+ 24.51 |
Conclusions:
At both irrigation levels Anti-Stress significantly increased yields by about 20%. |
University of California Cooperative Extension Tests for Water Depletion on Tomatoes
To evaluate the effectiveness of water depletion on processed tomato production, tomatoes were direct seeded on March 13, 1992. Two applications of Anti-stress were made at 2nd bloom on May 9, and 3rd. Bloom on June 9. Untreated blocks were maintained as controls.
Application rate: 2 quarts Anti-Stress 550 in 25 gallons water. (1:50 ratio) per acre.
Water Restrictions:
Starting on May 13, water to plots was restricted: Wet trials: 60% of normal moisture (12.4")
Dry trials: 40% of normal moisture (9.5")
Conclusions:
| Results / Data: |
| Criterion |
Untreated |
Treated |
Increase |
% Change |
| Tons per acre (dry test) |
45.9 |
49.6 |
3.7 tons |
+8.06% |
| Tons per acre (wet test) |
47.9 |
55.3 |
7.4 tons |
+15.4% |
Anti-Stress treatments produced significant yield in both dry and wet trials.
Research By: West Side Research and Extension Center, University of California Cooperative Extension, Don May Farm Advisor.
Water Uptake Affects Transplants
Weather related stress conditions are especially difficult on sensitive transplants in periods of extreme heat, hot or cold drying winds and frost. In the Salinas Valley of California, (known as the salad bowl), excessive winds can delay maturity of head lettuce. A simple test of two rows of lettuce for weight and maturity comparison was completed. Controls were maintained. Test rows of head lettuce transplants were sprayed using 40 ounces of Anti-Stress in 10 gallons water. (1: 30 ratio)
Conclusions:
The average weight of the control rows; 1 lb. 14oz.
The average weight of the treated row: 2 lb. 10
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Left side Anti-Stress treated/ right side control
Comparison of Strawberry Transplants During Heat Stress.
Strawberry transplants were all watered throughly. Heat stress was near 90 degrees F. temperature.
Strawberry transplants were sprayed u sing 6 oz. Anti-Stress to 1 gallon water (1:20 ratio)
Sprayed plants grew faster and began to produce 2 weeks early.
Water Stress When Shipping Affects Plant Quality and Bloom.
“1991 Quality/water-Retention Trials on Shipped Potted Plants”was completed at Israeli Agricultural Ministry Extension Service in cooperation with Hagarin R&D, and the Shlomo Mashiach Farm of Moshav Tsur Moshe, by E. Yahalom, E. Spigel, M. Levi & Levi & S. Mashiach.
Conclusions of the simulated shipping test from Israel to Europe:”...plants treated with Anti-Stress
had a fresher appearance and their flowers were in better condition than those of the -mostly wilted- controls.”
Flowering plants used for the test were Leptospermum scoparium, Grevillea rondo and Chamaelaucium unicintum The plants in the study were initially of uniform general appearance.
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Anti-Stress treated right side/ no Anti-Stress left side /comparison of plants 10 days after shipping
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Left side /Control/ Right side Anti-Stress treated
Results / Data of Shipping Test
| Results / Data |
| L. Scoparium |
Water Loss* (Control) |
Water Loss* (AntiStress) |
Change |
| Greenhouse |
25 |
5 |
80% |
| +Cold storage |
50 |
15 |
70% |
| +Retail simulation (totals) |
250 |
175 |
30% |
| |
| G. rondo |
| Greenhouse |
6 |
5 |
17% |
| +Cold storage |
27 |
18 |
33% |
| +Retail simulation (totals) |
138 |
112 |
9% |
| |
| C. unicintum |
|
|
|
| Greenhouse |
14 |
0 |
100% |
| +Cold storage |
45 |
31 |
31% |
| +Retail simulation (totals) |
175 |
132 |
25% |
| *Water loss measured in grams. |
Treatment with Anti-Stress significantly reduced water loss compared to the controls for all three species. Leptospermum has a much greater tendency to loose water than do the other species. Plants cannot be watered during shipping and damage due to water loss is evident. Since airfreight charges are based on weight, this is most economical. Anti-Stress treatment maintains/improves plant conditions, while allowing the use of a dryer (lighter) medium.
Anti-Stress Improves Method of Acclimatizing Tissue Culture
A 1994 trial on tissue-culture for walnut plantlets was done at University of California, Davis, Department of Pomology by Gale McGranahan & DemetriosVoyiatzis, (University of Thessaloniki) Published: Hort Science 29(1) : 42.94.
Procedure: The leaves of in-vitro-rooted walnut microshoots were dipped in a 1:20 dilution of Anti-Stress. After 24 hours, transferred to a peat/vermiculite mix and left uncovered in the greenhouse. (Unfortunately, untreated plants in the same environment could not be used as a control, as all desiccated and died within 6-8 hours.)
A control group of identical plantlets (untreated) were used as controls inside plastic boxes, which were opened slowly over 4 weeks, to conserve as much relative humidity as possible.
| Results / Data: |
| Criterion |
Control |
Treated |
Change % |
| No. Of leaves |
3.5+- 0.3 |
4.1+-0.3 |
+ 17. 14% |
| Plant height (cm) |
1.3+-0.2 |
1.6+-0.5 |
+23.08% |
| Length of top leaf (cm) |
8.8+-0.4 |
7.7+-0.6 |
-12.50% |
| Gain in fresh wt. (%) |
| Shoots |
353+-24 |
505+-30 |
+43.06% |
| Roots |
8+-2 |
113+-3 |
+62.50% |
| Gain in dry wt. (%) |
| Shoots |
89+-7 |
685+-38 |
+669.66% |
| Roots |
0 |
65+-4 |
+++??? |
| Survival Rate |
55.5+-.0 |
66.5+-.5 |
+20.91% |
Conclusions:
The Anti-Stress treatment produced plants which were larger, heavier, healthier, and had almost a 21% higher survival rate than the untreated controls.
Additional information and original article available.
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