“more compact flowering” “able to harvest earlier”
WITH MAX
WHAT’S NEW
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ThermoMax – frost protection Frost. If ever a word was guaranteed to cause anxiety and stress to commercial orchardists and home gardeners, that word is frost.
The level of danger posed to orchardists from frost is best illustrated by the lengths growers go to and the costs they face attempting to neutralise or lessen its effects. From hiring helicopters to setting giant fans and were taken in May 2005 inthrough a Bay of Plenty up Avocado irrigation systems, there is an arrayresults of anti-frost measures s were virtually side by side and similar available. Most are expensive and their benefits vary. ghout the 150 tree orchard in comparisons
AGE REDUCTION
x protected and unprotected Avocado trees. Among the products available in the anti-frost battle is ures dropped as low as -3°.
ThermoMax, and it has been doing a very good job for commercial growers for the past 20 seasons. ThermoMax comments underwent independentGrower testing and evaluation by include: HortResearch in 2002 (for full results see www.bdmax. co.nz), and has been shown in the field to 18.9 provide up .4 “No frost damage to 99 percent protection from frosts down to –2C when down to -2°C” applied as directed. In colder temperatures down to –4C, 16.8 15.5 14.9 frost of forming, ThermoMax has also shown “stopped greater levels protection nil damage” than would otherwise have been obtained. In these very 14.0 “No 14.3 damage in temps low temperatures frost control is more effective when down to -1.5°C, however, ThermoMax is used as part of a combined anti-frost neighbours orchard frosted product attack. It adds an extra two sprinkler degrees froze” of control to when all other methods, and combines with all other 2 1 July 05 28 July 05“evaded 4 August 05 products frost damage in except urea. Being a liquid, application is easy. Just add it temps as low as -2°C” to your spraying round. oss whole orchard Sprayed Unsprayed “more compact flowering” li p p a “able to harvest earlier” n Trials (Oct 2003) eThermoMax h w
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ThermoMax is a non-chemical, BioGro certified product, exempt under the Agricultural Compounds & Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act. It leaves no residues, and has no withholding periods. ThermoMax is diluted with water, applied with a normal agricultural sprayer, and is totally environmentally friendly. It is on the Zespri approved products list, and is part of the Agrecovery programme.
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were obtained throughout the 150 tree orchard in comparisons between ThermoMax protected and unprotected Avocado trees. Recorded temperatures dropped as low as The effect of ThermoMax on-3°.Avocados
Internal Temperature Trial
The effect of ThermoMax on Avocados 20.0
14.0 12.0 10.0
15.5 15.8
14 July 02
14.9
14.3
14.0
1 July 05
28 July 05
Average readings across whole orchard
Research trials have shown : 60 The ORCHARDIST JULY 2022 moMax increased fruit set on apples
Sprayed
Sprayed 2/8/05
16.0
18.9
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18.0 Sprayed 10/7/05
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SPRAYED WITH THERMOMAX
HortResearch trials have shown ThermoMax increased Theset photos above were taken at in May a Bayat of -4°C Plentyfrost. Avocado fruit on apples by 50% -2°C2005 andin33% orchard. These trees were virtually side by side and similar results (See trial report on www.bdmax.co.nz)
Internal Temperatures
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In addition to being relatively inexpensive when compared with other anti-frost measures, costing on average $240 / ha for nine weeks’ protection, ThermoMax also provides secondary benefits, such as more compact flowering and a shortened growing season. This provides better spring starts, achieved by the internal warming it creates within the plant. Oh did we mention all the extra worry-free nights of sleep?
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Sprayed 2/8/05
of ThermoMax on Avocados
From modest beginnings in 2002, ThermoMax is now being used in a large number of orchards and gardens throughout the country. Avocado, kiwifruit, blueberry and tamarillo growers, and even the bromeliad folk, are the main users. However, it is effective with most crops. Citrus, grapes, pipfruit and stonefruit all benefit.
16.8
4 August 05 Unsprayed
ThermoMax is available online, and also through Farmlands and Horticentre throughout the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Auckland and Gisborne regions. There are two short videos providing answers to frequently asked questions available on the website www.bdmax.co.nz. Or call directly on 0800 735 859 or email bdmax@xtra.co.nz.
