California Growers Have New Tool for Sunburn and Scald Protection on Crops

Sym-Agro has announced the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has approved its Eckosil Shield product for sunburn and scald protection on crops in California. The Eckosil supporting field trial data satisfied the CDFA requirement for these claims to be added to the label.

After four years of commercial use and submitting numerous trial reports, Eckosil Shield is the only validated silicon containing brand that can make substantiated claims for sunburn protection, according to Sym-Agro.

Some of the highlighted supporting results include:

• Table Grapes: 48% -70% reduction in sunburn,
• Citrus: 55% reduction in sunburned fruit,
• Apples: 56% reduction of sun scald,
• Red Onions: 58% reduction in surface sun scald

These new claims are in addition to current label uses for heat and stress mitigation that Eckosil provides on all treated crops.

Eckosil Shield goes on clear and works from the inside out to reduce stress and prevent sunburn, unlike other solar protectants that leave a visible film and may require a designated application. It is also tank-mix compatible with all cover spray programs for convenient in-season use. There also is a drip irrigation application option for treatments when cover spays have halted. It is best to plan ahead for heat stress with applications starting 7-28 days prior to heat events for the best performance.

For more information, visit Sym-Agro.com.