Fertilizers / Leaf Cleaners Dyna Grow Pro-TeKt - 8 oz Price: $4.50 Shipping: $0.00 Part Number: PT-8 Case Price 1-11 $4.50 12+ $3.94 Qty: Pricing: Single Case Lot (12) 8 oz. $ 4.50 $ 4.05 ea DYNA-GRO'S NEW Pro-TeKt WITH SOLUBLE SILICON INCREASES RESISTANCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS IMPROVES HEAT AND DROUGHT TOLERANCE REDUCES TRANSPIRATION LOSS ENHANCES LEAF PRESENTATION AND STEM STRENGTH FACILITATES METABOLIC FUNCTIONS PROMOTES POLLEN FERTILITY, FLOWER AND FRUIT COUNT DYNA-GRO'S NEW Pro-TeKt formula is an easy to use liquid that provides supplemental potassium (3.7%) and silicon (7.8%). The latest research indicates that plants will benefit in many important ways from supplemental soluble silicon. Benefits include greater tolerance to environmental stresses, such as heat, drought, salinity, mineral toxicity or deficiency and improved resistance to insects and fungi. Increased pollen fertility, flower, and fruit count was found when soluble silicon is added as a supplement. Pro-TeKt liquid concentrate is available in sizes ranging from 8 ounces to 55 gallons. SlLICON INCREASES RESISTANCE TO PATHOGENS Silicon deposits in the epidermal cells of plants act as a barrier against penetration of invading fungi such as powdery mildew and Pythium. After infection of the leaves a greater deposit of silicon is found around the infected cells in the plant. Silicon is also deposited in the cell walls of roots where it acts as a barrier against invasion of the stele by parasites and pathogens. Tests conducted on cucumbers, melons and tomatoes determined that soluble silicon must be available to the plant during the period of infection by fungal spores. The silicon is deposited at the sites of infection to form stronger, harder cell walls to deter the fungus. Silicon is rapidly bound in leaf tissue and will be deposited in the cells within 24 hours. Continuous feeding with soluble silicon is very important to combat pathogens. In some plants, foliar applications appear to lead to lower rates of disease probably because deposits of silicon compounds on the leaf surface promote physical barriers to the infection process. Epidermal cell walls containing silicon deposits act as a mechanical barrier to the stylet and mandibles of sucking and biting insects The content inside the cells of soluble silicic acid rather than the silicon deposits in the leaves also act as an effective sucking inhibitor for some insects. Foliar sprays of soluble silicon were also effective for control of aphids on wheat plants. GREATER TOLERANCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS AND INCREASED METABOLIC ACTIVITY Research in silicon nutrition has shown that the benefits include; improved resistance to wilt, resistance to water stress (heat and drought), enhanced leaf presentation resulting in greater photosynthesis efficiency, increased reproductive growth (pollen fertility, flower and fruit count), and increased tolerance to excessive phosphorus, manganese and aluminum concentrations and zinc deficiencies. Silicon, deposited in the cell walls, forms a protective layer reducing transpiration through the outer cells. Silicon deposits in the cell walls of xylem vessels prevent compression of the vessels under conditions of high transpiration caused by drought or heat stresses. Temperatures much above 900 F cause plants to virtually cease their metabolic functions. Water loss through transpiration is faster than replacement by the plant's root system. This creates harmful increases in intracellular mineral concentrations that inhibit plant functions. Increased levels of silicon in cell walls reduce transpiration loss caused by higher temperatures and allow plants to continue metabolic functions at higher temperatures. Plants wilt less, resist sunburn and are generally more tolerant of heat stresses. Silicon deficiencies often are indicated by malformation of young leaves and a failure of pollination and fruit formation in many cases. Test plants fed with soluble silicon have increased metabolic activity and chlorophyll levels. Leaves are thicker and darker green compared to those grown without soluble silicon. Plants with silicon added to the nutrient formula also show a decrease in leaf and flower senescence. The possibility for extended shelf life for cut flowers, specialty pot crops and plugs should be examined more closely. Advances in plant nutrition research have led to greater insight involving the role silicon plays in plants grown in soil, hydroponic or soilless media. Application of soluble silicon promotes enhanced growth in species as diverse as corn, bamboo, ferns, citrus, pine, strawberries, melons, tomatoes, barley, cotton, soybeans, cereal grains, sorghum, sugar cane, zucchini and other squashes, rice and probably many more unstudied species. Recent unpublished tests on roses, orchids, bonsai, ivy, and foliage plants have also yielded great results. These benefits have not been studied in all plant species, but there is reason to believe that most, if not all, plants will benefit from applications of soluble silicon. SouthWest Plantscape Products 265 Durley Ave Camarillo, Ca 93010 Telephone: (800) 333-7977 (SWPP) Fax: (805) 988-4975 E-Mail: sales@SouthWestPlantscape.com