Foliar Iron Applications Update for Tropical Fruit Crops

(Using weak acids and iron sulfate foliar sprays to prevent/correct iron deficiency)

Date: August 24, 2006 (Thursday)

Time: 11:00 AM

Location:  Lychee Grove (block 7: follow the signs)

Tropical Research and Education Center

18905 S.W. 280 St.

Homestead, FL 33031-3314

Tel: 305-246-7001 x.290

   Our research team (Drs. Schaffer, Li, Evans, and Crane) have been investigating a new approach to preventing or correcting iron deficiencies in tropical fruit crops using foliar applications of iron sulfate (NOT chelated iron) with weak acids.  We would like to share with you our latest results while this research is in progress.  Our goal, is to correct and/or maintain plant iron nutrition and reduce iron application costs dramatically.  Preliminary results look promising.  We hope to see you at this research update.

Agenda

Introductions                                             Dr. Crane

Overview of project                                  Dr. Schaffer

Review of data

          Treatment results to date                 Dr. Schaffer and Dr. Li

          Economic results to date                 Dr. Evans

Treatment viewing – lychee, carambola     All

Discussion                                                All