1. Influence of Kaolin Clay Applications on Blueberry Yields during Low-Chill Seasons in West-Central Florida
Bielinski M. Santos
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
IFAS, University of Florida

2. Crop Protectants Reduce transpiration and sun scalding.
Based on calcium carbonate, kaolin clay or wax.
Surround WP.
Degradable.

3. Previous Studies with Kaolin

4. a b b c a a b

5. a a a b

6. Why Surround and Blueberries?
Previous study: Kaolin clay application reduced bud temperatures.
What happens during low-chilling winters?
Would kaolin increase the number of chilling hours?

7. Objective
Determine effects of foliar application programs of kaolin clay on the marketable yield of southern highbush blueberries.

8. Materials and Methods Two-year study: 2011-12 & 2012-13.
Gulf Coast REC, Balm, Florida.
3-year-old ‘Jewel’ (1500 plants/acre).
Pine bark beds.
No hydrogen cyanamide.

9. Materials and Methods Surround (25 lb/acre).
Regular sprayer (100 gal/acre of water).
Non-treated,
Weekly applications,
Biweekly applications.

10. Materials and Methods Application from Sept. 15 to Dec. 15.
Eight harvests starting in early March.
Early and total fruit weights.
160 h ≤45oF between Sept. 1 and March 1 of each season.

11. Bud Minimum Temp. 2011 (oF) Treatment October November December None48 44 35
Weekly 42 39 33
Biweekly 47 43

12. Bud Minimum Temp. 2012 (oF) Treatment October November December None45 40 36
Weekly 41 33
Biweekly 39 35

13. Treatment
Early
Total
ton/acre
None
1.30 b
2.16
Weekly
1.68 a
2.47
Biweekly
1.31 b
2.20
Significance * NS

14. Summary Surround seems to decrease bud temperatures.
Weekly applications (6 to 8) of Surround improved early yield (+29%).
More research needed in large fields.
What about regular winters?

15. Thanks! bmsantos@ufl.edu 813-468-6322