Limiting frost damage with Albit

How does frost damage occur?

In spring, damage to crops can easily occur due to sub-zero temperatures. Deploying Albit is a way to limit damage to your crops. 

Frost damage is caused by dehydration through the formation of ice crystals that draw water from the plant cells. This effect is similar to dehydration that occurs through evaporation. In case of prolonged frost, the plant cells are compressed and can be seriously damaged. As a result, a plant loses its turgor pressure and the photosynthesis process comes to a standstill.

Secondary frost damage applies to the internal plant processes that are disrupted as a result of frost.

  • Reduced function of plant membranes
  • Increase in production of reactive oxygen species
  • Reduction in production of natural antioxidants

The production of reactive oxygen species can be observed particularly well visually. It manifests itself in leaf necrosis. Albit makes plants tolerant to the effects of secondary frost damage.

How does Albit improve resistance to frost damage?

The application of Albit increases the amount of bound water and decreases the amount of free water. Bound water contains colloids, so it is less likely to transform into ice.

The application of Albit stimulates the production of salicylate, which in turn can increase the colloidal water content in plant areas by up to 74%.

Albit increases the frost tolerance in frost conditions in three ways.

  • Stimulates the production and maintenance of natural antioxidants
  • Increases the amount of colloidal water in plant cells
  • Increased hydrolysis of starch

Proven results from multi-year research

Multi-year research by the Viticulture and Winemaking Research Institute has shown that fruit trees treated with Albit recover up to 28% better than untreated objects.

In addition, it was found that the threshold temperature for damage formation is on average 2 degrees Celcius lower for trees treated by Albit compared to control objects (see Figure 1).

Application

To improve tolerance to frost, we recommend applying Albit 2 to 3 days before the start of the frost period. The treatment can be repeated 1 to 2 days after a period of frost. For this, we advise you to apply 125cc per hectare on the leaf.

Albit significantly increases the stability and frost tolerance of plants and trees, thereby significantly reducing crop losses. If frost is expected, it is therefore advisable to apply Albit.