terra tonic
TERRA TONIC
Terra Tonic is a combination of organic acids and microbes. Terra Tonic is primarily a soil improver formulated for use on soils where certain soilborne pathogens are present.
Terra Tonic also helps the plant to secrete phytoallexins, which are the plant’s natural mechanism as protection against various fungi and bacteria.
Several trials have been conducted in laboratories to test the suppressive effect on various pathogens with microbes as well as with the organic acids. There is a synergistic effect with the combination. The microbial activity in the soil is promoted because nutrients are applied to the soil microbes, and microbes are also placed back into the soil. Due to natural balances that are restored in the soil and the fact that the plants grow healthier, there is natural resistance to infection from various pathogens.
Laboratory tests with components of Terra Tonic for disease suppression on:
| Vegetables | |
|---|---|
| Erwinia carotovora | Suppressed by microbes in Terra as well as by the other components of Terra Tonic, as tested by ARC at Roodeplaat. |
| Streptomyces scabies | Suppressed by components of Terra Tonic. |
| Phytophthora infestans (Late blight) | Suppressed by components of Terra Tonic. |
| Ralstonia solanacearum (Bacterial wilt) | Also suppressed by the main component. |
| Permanent Crops | |
|---|---|
| Phytophthora nicotinae | Excellent control was achieved in laboratory tests, which were also confirmed in several field trials. Within one season, there was a dramatic recovery of the infected citrus trees. |
| Pythium | Good suppression by both the Terra organisms as well as the main ingredient. |
Soil applications
Permanent crops: 25 l/ha, sprayed on the ground under the drip area. Irrigate after application. Terra Tonic can also be applied via the irrigation system. Apply in spring or after harvest. Apply Terra Tonic again in October at 10 l/ha. Terra Tonic stimulates root development; it is therefore ideally suited to be applied to crops that need to build up reserves after harvest. Apply just after harvest at 25 l/ha. Root development is stimulated, which will then
help the plants to build up reserves before they go into a dormant phase. Terra Tonic can be applied up to and including December. It can be applied one week before the planned root thrust.
Potatoes and vegetables: 30 l/ha, which can be followed up if necessary at 15 l/ha. The first application with a plant which can be applied in the plant feed, sprayed on top of the soil, and then washed in, or applied with the irrigation water. The second application is just before tuber initiation, which is applied with the irrigation water.
Foliar Application
Dilute 2 litres of Terra Tonic with 100 litres of water and spray over leaves to achieve good wetting. Combine with Terra Protect. Make applications as soon as the disease pressure is expected.
Terra Tonic should not be mixed with any other products for foliar applications, as the leaves may then be scorched.