Microquimica Tradecorp talks about physiological management to avoid the impact of frost

The autumn and winter season, especially in the Center-South region of Brazil, brings greater risks of intense cold and the possibility of frosts that can compromise the entire metabolism of plants – a situation that has been observed in several locations in Brazil after the strong cold front of the last few days. Therefore, how can we help producers achieve correct physiological management during this period of the year?

Like all living beings, plants need ideal conditions for their development. This includes water (water requirement), temperature (thermal amplitude), luminosity (photo period), humidity (relative humidity of the air and/or soil) and nutrition (soil or leaf). Any of these factors that occur outside of ideal conditions contributes to a significant reduction in the physiological processes of plants and, consequently, compromises quality and productivity.

"Currently, several researchers report that climatic conditions (abiotic factors) contribute to the reduction of more than 50% of the productive potential of plants. Therefore, the only option we have is to work with products with a physiological effect in order to enable plants be more efficient in their development processes – even in conditions that are not 100% favorable, thus minimizing the effects of stress”, explains Rodrigo Repke, technical coordinator at Microquimica Tradecorp.

Therefore, in addition to the stress caused by low temperatures, frost leads to the freezing of cells and dehydration of tissues, promoting the rupture of membranes. If nothing is done, chlorophyll oxidation occurs and leaves, flowers, and young fruits burn. As a result, the entire plantation could be lost.

To avoid negative effects, it is essential to maintain the nutritional balance of plants, as if well nourished and well developed they can go through these conditions without major damage. Therefore, preventive management in both nutrition and biostimulation is very important.

“As a preventive action, it is necessary to use products that help the plant in times of stress through the bioactive compounds present. The physiological effects expected when using these types of products are the following: Primactive, which consists of acting systemically to prepare the plant for a faster and stronger response to damage caused by stress; and Osmoregulation, which consists of helping the opening and closing of stomata and the turgidity of cells, promoting cells with a higher concentration of solutes and a greater quantity of water, which allows the minimization of stress conditions”, explains the executive of Microquimica Tradecorp.

Among the Microquimica Tradecorp products suitable for this treatment are Phylgreen (Priming), Pumma (Osmoregulation) and Delfan Plus (Curative). Together, they provide the conditions for the plant to re-establish itself and restart its development, by combating destructive effects.

The company has prepared an e-book, which is possible download from this link, with technical information such as doses and products of preventive treatments that can be carried out for each crop.