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  • From: list@ginda.us
  • To: North American Fruit Explorers <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [NAFEX] Answering the Surround questions
  • Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2003 22:11:03 -0500

Thanks for all the info. Just one question - how much Surround is a pound? Can you give that in cups or some other easy volume measure?

Thanks,
Ginda Fisher

On Monday, March 10, 2003, at 06:42 PM, John.Mosko@engelhard.com wrote:


I just caught up on my NAFEX messages and saw that there was a long string
of questions about Surround a week or so ago. Maybe I can help out with
answers.

Can I re-use leftover mix? Yes, you can - in hand held or back-pack
sprayers. If you have leftover Surround slurry, up-end your sprayer and
blow out the remaining air. This will relieve the pressure and clean out
the nozzle at the same time. Store the leftover in a cool place. You need
not even loosen the top (handle/pump shaft). When ready to use, shake the
soft-settle up, re-pump up, and spray. Saving it makes for convenient
touching-up. I wouldn't advise keeping the mix over 2 weeks in hot summer
weather. After using the second time, rinse out and allow to dry
thoroughly.
I would not save slurry in commercial sprayers unless, maybe, if it had a
strong agitator blade that would clear the pump intake.

Is Surround made with the same substance as in kaopectate? Actually no.
Kaopectate brand of anti-dairrheal hasn't used kaolin since 1987.
Currently, it has used a special clay with higher sorptivity called
attapulgite. The kaolin used in the original kaopectate was actually quite
different from that used in Surround.

A comment about eastern conventional growers being dissappointed - Surround
is only used by conventional eastern tree fruit growers for certain
specific uses such as reducing Stayman cracking and some sunburn reduction.
We didn't plan it this way, but Surround just has more utility in dry areas
- it simply lasts longer there and also offers valuable sunburn damage
reduction. Eastern organic growers use Surround for plum curculio, pear
psylla, and apple maggot control.

Surround's value to the hobby orchardist - As an avid hobbyist with 25
Bud-9 and M-9 dwarfing rootstock apple, pear, and cherry trees I can say
that Surround is a fine product for the hobbyist. A little Surround goes a
long way hand-sprayed on dwarf trees. I start with 1/2 lb per gallon
then go to 1/4 lb. per gallon after the third or fourth spray. After a
foundation has been established , I can treat all the trees with a gallon
or two of spray - that uses about a 1/2 lb. of Surround powder. I find
that if I aim to coat the apples, the overspray is sufficient for the
leaves. Coating the apples is more important than covering leaves. (Pears
need underside of leaf coverage to control pear psylla).

I personally employ a soft apple insect program in NJ that uses Surround
for plum curculio and apple maggot. Secondary pests are controlled or
neutralized by Surround. Lady beetles operate freely in my
Surround-treated trees and mop up the green aphids very nicely. I need to
spray one carefully timed malathion or Imidan for 2nd generation codling
moth or I get significant losses. I tank-mix in any fungicides that I
need but since I use my mower to vaccuum up my fallen leaves in the late
autumn, and I apply a copper-dormant oil spray, I have little scab or
powdery mildew - even on disease-prone cultivars. I did see some cedar
apple rust coming in last season. I may apply myclobutanyl (ag name is
Nova) for CAR.

When I'm ready to eat the apples, I put the Surround-treated apples into
one side of the filled sink with a drop or two or fruit cleaning detergent
(optional). I give them a rubbing while rinsing under a faucet or under
water. The film comes off easily but you do have to rub, albeit gently,
the whole fruit. It helps to wear thin cloth gloves. Of course, if I'm in
the yard, I rub it off on my shirt! The fine particles actually buff the
skin to a real shine. I address commercial washing in the Pomona article
below.

Are spreaders needed? There are built in spreaders in Surround so generally
none is needed. The only exception is on very waxy surfaces like
mid-season apple (if just starting Surround then for sunburn) or
watermelons. In these cases, you can use the lowest labeled amount of a
spreader - but just in the first spray.
If you don't have a spreader handy , you can use an 1/8 rate of Safer soap
concentrate in the Surround mix.

Surround residues on fruit in the supermarket? - I admit I get excited when
I spy a trace of Surround on a Red D'Anjou or a Granny Smith, Braeburn,
etc., apple in the market. Surround was used on 50% of the WA pear acreage
last season and 20% of the WA apple acreage.

Most of the pear use is for pear psylla. That program uses three pre-bloom
sprays of Surround to disrupt psylla egg lay, then one or two sprays at
fruit set. Since the Surround sprays stop when the fruit is small, you
wouldn't see any residue on those pears. You may see a trace on Red
D'Anjou because they are sprayed with Surround later in the season to make
them smoother and redder. Surround is a great psylla material - even in
the east. You get a nice carry over effect since the Surround forms a thin
mineral skin on the trunk and branches after a while. That skin remains
repellant to the overwintering adult psylla.

WA apples are sprayed heavily for sunburn damage reduction. Although WA
packers wash them well , you may see a fruit that gets through with some
Surround traces.

Interestingly, sometimes the stains are not Surround. Even before Surround
was commercial, I examined supermarket apples closely and saw that many had
stem end stains; probably from road dust accumulation. Sometimes, white
streaks on the sides are from apple wax that dried that way.

Where to buy Surround - As someone accurately commented, shop around. If
you are a commercial grower, even if small, you should be using
"ag-labeled" product. As you may know, the manufacturer has no control
over pricing once they sell the product to a distributor - it's actually
illegal, a form of price fixing and my company Engelhard is to-the-letter
scrupulous. There is a list of distributors towards he end of the attached
Pomona article.

The "it's just kaolin" issue - I'll spare you any marketing razzle-dazzle
but the Pomona article I wrote last year (attached) explains what
considerations we needed to have to make Surround a practical commercial
technology. One thing I forgot to mention is that plain clays usually have
high respirable crystalline silica contents. Crystalline silica is a
respiratory carcinogen (also abrasive as anything to nozzles). Surround is
processed to contain no measurable crystalline silica. The analogy I like
to use is that Surround is to clay as jet fuel is to crude oil. They are
from the same original raw material but the crude form is effectively
non-performing for the use intented.

The "large block boost" - For several years, organic growers had told me of
essentially complete control of plum curculio. At the same time, we had
sponsored many PC studies by extension scientists. In the extension
studies, untreated controls are used. These control trees are often near
and sometimes adjacent to the Surround -treated tree. But Surround
averaged only 50% damage reduction over many extension trials. So, what was
the deal?
Turns out that Surround works markedly better when used in a large block.
It makes sense, Since Surround has little direct toxicity (but high
repellancy), Surround is vulnerable to re-infestation from the huge pool
of insects in the untreated controls. In a large block, the insects sense
the hostile environment and leave the area. This phenomena occurs mostly
with insects that migrate into orchards. We are quite sure that the
efficacy boost happens with leafhoppers and sharpshooters, pear psylla,
plum curculio, maybe to a lesser extent with codling moth, and probably
with apple maggot (although Surround apple maggot control looks great in
any kind of trial, equal to Guthion).

A 2002 study at Michigan State showed over 90% PC damage reduction in a
large block study. This was higher than we had ever gotten in station
trials. The PC pressure was even brutal - essentially at 100% damage
level.

The take away is: If you are going to trial Surround, do an entire block.








Here was my article for Pomona early last year if you care to read it...

Surround Crop Protectant: A Unique Tool for the Fruit Grower

By John Mosko

Surround Crop Protectant is a unique broad-spectrum agricultural crop
protectant for reducing damage from various insect pests. It can also
reduce heat stress and sunburn damage. Surround works by forming a white
barrier coating on crops that is specially designed to repel insects and to
allow usable light through while blocking harmful infrared (IR) and
ultraviolet (UV) light. It is a registered pesticide and is listed for
organic use. Surround is soft on bees, ladybeetles and lacewings.

The technology behind Surround was co-developed by Engelhard Corporation
and the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service
(USDA-ARS) and is referred to as "particle film" technology. Comprised of
specially modified particles of kaolin, a naturally occurring material,
Surround is mixed in water and sprayed onto crops. Upon drying, a fine
white film results. If the film is applied to an edible part of the plant,
the film is washed off at harvest or discontinued early in the season and
allowed to weather off.

Commercial success

Surround has been used heavily on apple and pear crops, with rapidly
increasing use in citrus, grapes, nuts and row crops such as tomatoes.
Over 90% of sales are to conventional and IPM growers, and most usage is
west of the Rocky Mountains.

Pears
Surround works as well, or better, on pear psylla than any other product on
the market?while helping to produce better color and a smoother finish.
With more than 60,000 acre-treatments in Washington and Oregon last spring
and summer, it looked like winter!

Growers of D'Anjou and Comice apply Surround during the summer for fruit
quality and heat stress relief as well as insect suppression. Eastern pear
growers for baby food have adopted Surround as well. Rainfastness in pears
is not an issue in the East since the pre-bloom sprays adhere well to bark,
and later sprays coat the rain-protected leaf undersides where the pear
psylla nymphs are active.

Apples
In Western states, Surround has been tremendously successfully in reducing
apple sunburn damage. More than 60,000 acre-treatments were applied on
apples in 2001. Color is typically improved on many varieties including
Granny Smith, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Cameo, and Pink Lady. At the same
time, Surround suppresses insects such as leafhoppers. We expect that
Surround will be labeled for lacanobia in 2002.

Surround offers terrific economic benefits to apple growers. Less than 100
dollars' worth of Surround per acre cut sunburn damage in half, according
to two years of independent studies in Washington and other hot areas. Even
in a moderate 10% damage year, that could mean 5% more fruit, or 30 to 40
boxes per acre. To estimate the payback potential based on the studies and
grower experience, multiply extra boxes by the price you may get per box
and subtract the Surround cost. Some growers apply at delayed dormant for
leafrollers, but most applications begin in late May or early June as
temperatures go up. This timing avoids interference with leafminer
predators while suppressing lacanobia and sunburn damage.

Grapes
Surround has suppressed every type of leafhopper/sharpshooter that it has
faced, including the notorious glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) that is
vectoring Pierce's Disease in California vineyards. Oviposition was cut
down to almost zero in a large-scale pilot project conducted near
Bakersfield, California. Since Surround is a powerful feeding deterrent,
leafhoppers don't spread the disease, then die, as with the leading
systemic and knockdown pesticides. Based on the trial results, more than
10,000 acre-treatments were already applied post-harvest this fall.
Studies are showing brix increases, presumably due to heat stress
reduction. Wine grapes are sprayed until veraison; table and raisin grapes
until fruit set, then all may be sprayed post-harvest when GWSS are still
very active. In the Eastern U.S., usage would be for Japanese beetles,
rose chafer, leafhoppers, and heat stress relief in hot regions.

Western citrus
Surround suppresses thrips, GWSS, and sunburn damage while reducing heat
stress. Florida studies look promising for improving vigor and suppression
of the diaprepes root weevil.

Nuts
Surround offers sunburn reduction with codling moth, husk fly, and black
and yellow aphid suppression.

Stone fruit
Studies on thrips are very encouraging, and post-harvest cherry heat stress
reduction trials are underway. Surround may be a valuable tool for the
organic/sustainable grower for rose chafer and Japanese beetle, while
offering some reduction of oriental fruit moth damage.

Other fruits, other benefits
Surround may offer relief to stress-prone fruit varieties in marginal
climatic areas. Studies suggest reduction in Stayman apple cracking, and
Surround can fight thrips, leafhoppers, and other pests on minor fruit
crops.

Organic usage
Surround WP is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for
use in organic production. Surround WP is the only organic suppressant for
plum curculio that we know of, plus it offers good apple maggot
suppression. Organic-minded growers have found that suppression of the plum
curculio can eliminate use of organophosphate products so they can go
transitional.

The secret is to keep the young fruit covered! The most common organic
program for plum curculio is about six to eight weekly sprays starting at
fruit set. This program gives suppression of the first flight of codling
moth, too. Applying only to this point will leave a negligible to very
light residue at harvest.

Surround is tank-mixable with lime-sulfur and wettable sulfur and studies
have shown that this combination can reduce disease like apple scab,
powdery mildew, sooty blotch and flyspeck.

Sustainable/low-spray growers who use organophosphates can tank mix
Surround for improved protection.

Surround can also help organic growers fight cucumber beetles, thrips, pear
psylla, leafhoppers, Japanese beetle, and some aphids.


----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
The technology

Surround is composed of specially sized and shaped mineral particles. The
base substance of the active ingredient in Surround is a unique type of
kaolin. Adjuvants in the WP formulation allow it to spread and stick in a
controlled way so that the particles perform to their fullest potential.
Surround is so unique; its use is protected by seven US patents.

· Most, if not all, particles block light and can also block gas
transpiration. Yet Surround allows usable light and gases to pass through.
In fact, Surround particles reflect infrared light, which lowers heat on
the leaves by around 8 degrees F and on the fruit by up to 15 degrees F in
summer weather. Light blockage is a real concern: we know of a grower who
sprayed a generic clay on his trees, then needed to wash it off quickly
when the trees started suffering from blocked light.

· Many particles other than Surround stick to, or grow into to the
fruit's natural wax, making the particles difficult or impossible to remove
at harvest. Surround particles are uniquely shaped to give a controlled
amount of "bite" into the fruit skin without undo sticking.

· Surround particles are designed for insect irritation. Insects seem
to just push some other types aside. Surround particles are difficult for
insects to "groom" off.

· Surround contains minimal abrasive components that abrade nozzles and
pump gaskets.

· Surround has very low toxicity.

· Surround was designed to be practical to use. It mixes well, settles
slowly to a soft settle, and--this is crucial--spreads evenly on fruit and
foliage.

· Surround has a degree of rainfastness but is not difficult to remove
at harvest with packing line washing equipment. The particles are friable
for increased insect irritation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------

Safety
Surround is arguably one of the safest pest control products on the market:
· Surround is exempt from requirements of a tolerance for residue per
the EPA.
· All adjuvants are in the safest EPA category (Class 4).
· There is no pre-harvest interval.
· The ingredients in Surround are on the FDA list for food use.


Recent news
· In a large pilot project in Kern County, California, Surround showed
almost complete ovipositional control and strong feeding reduction and
repellency of the glassy-winged sharpshooter. Other leafhoppers are
controlled equally well.

· The 2001 label was amended to allow sulfur tank-mixes. Surround
tank-mixed with lime-sulfur (L-S) and wettable sulfur (S) gave results
close to conventional control on scab, powdery mildew, sooty blotch and
flyspeck. A tank-mix of 3 gallons L-S, 5 lbs. S, and 25 lbs. of Surround
performed very well. After petal fall, reduce to 1/2 gallon L-S, 5 lbs. S,
and use 37.5 to 25 lbs. Surround. All mixes are per 100 gallons. This can
be great news for certified organic growers with disease problems.

· Apples and blueberries coated with Surround applied before and during
the apple/blueberry maggot fly flight showed almost complete ovipositional
deterrence in University studies.

· Grower and university apple studies confirmed the ability to suppress
plum curculio and the need to reapply during rainy periods.

· Pear psylla studies confirmed that green tip sprays are important for
ovipositional deterrence. Surround performed well in eastern trials
despite the rainy season. Although not recommended, Surround can be used
for psylla rescues.

· An organic-oriented study that used Surround only on scab resistant
cultivars showed usable fruit jumped to 85% vs. 25 % in the untreated
control. Interestingly, cedar apple rust was partly suppressed by Surround
in this season-long study.

· Japanese beetle suppression, due to repellency and feeding deterrence,
is excellent if applications are made at first adult emergence. Lab
bioassays (no-choice studies) showed surprisingly high knockdown after 24
hours.

· The lacanobia fruit worm has been controlled in multi-year Washington
State University studies.



Usage Points

See the label for details, but rates and concentrations are generally 37.5
to 50 lbs. per 100 gallons at first then 25 lbs. per 100 gallons after a
film has been established. Rate per acre depends on the size of the
foliage canopy. Maintenance of coverage is crucial. Apply enough fluid to
get to near-drip. Complete wetting of the fruit surface helps to foster
good adhesion of subsequent sprays. Dwarf trees allow the most efficient
usage of Surround. Large trees are problematic due to difficulty in
obtaining coverage. In hand-held or backpack sprayers, use 1/4 to 1/2 lb.
per gallon. Aim at the fruit to cover them well and the overspray will
cover the leaves.

Generally, applications are every 7 to 14 days, more often during rainy
periods. Since Surround is a barrier-type product, the plant part to be
protected must be covered during pest infestation. During dry periods, the
intervals can be widened, but during rainy periods re-sprays at short
intervals can be necessary -- especially on primary pests. On most fruit
skins, later season applications last longer than early season
applications. Coating the leaf undersides is important for pests like pear
psylla and some aphids.

The cooling effect of Surround will delay maturity 3 to 7 days on most tree
fruit.

Post-harvest wash-off
For the fresh fruit market, you'll need to have a large, well-equipped
fruit washing line if you apply past 8 weeks after fruit set. Short lines
do not get the white out of the stem and calyx end unless you have pressure
washing. Surround can usually be applied to processing fruit until
harvest. Hobbyists can rub the fruit under running water. Wearing cloth
gloves helps if you have a lot of fruit.

While educating the consumer at pick-your-owns can be a challenge, some
growers do with signs and a pamphlet called "Why are the crops white" that
is available.

Where to find Surround
Surround is sold only through distributors. The following sell ag-labeled
product in 25 lb. bags:

· Most UAP locations in the Northeast and Great Lakes:
www.uap.com/distribution-frames.html
· Many distributors and dealers in WA, OR, and CA
· Many Fertrell : www.fertrell.com
· Seven Springs Farm in VA offers Surround WP via mail order:
www.7springsfarm.com
· Fedco in ME offers Surround WP via mail order: www.fedcoseeds.com
· Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, Inc. in CA offers Surround WP via mail
order: www.groworganic.com

· For home use Gardens Alive! Catalogue and web site Offers Surround At
Home Crop Protectant in 5, 10, and 25 lb. bags: www.gardensalive.com.
Surround At Home is the only version of Surround labeled for home
gardening uses.
###

John is the marketing manager for Surround Crop Protectants, Engelhard
Corporation, Iselin, NJ 08830-0770 and an avid tree fruit hobbyist. For
more information, visit www.engelhard.com/surround.


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