sunscreen

If you mean can sunscreen be mixed with a foliar spray?—yes, in many cases it can, but it depends on the product.

Agricultural “sunscreens” are foliar-applied products that protect plants from excessive sunlight and heat stress. They commonly work by:

• Forming a reflective film (e.g. kaolin clay or silicate-based products).
• Reducing leaf temperature.
• Lowering water loss (anti-transpirant effect).
• Reducing sunburn on leaves and fruits.

Many commercial crop sunscreens state that they are compatible with most foliar fertilizers and crop protection products, although manufacturers recommend performing a small jar compatibility test before tank mixing. For example, one silicate-based sunscreen recommends 40 mL per 20 L of water and notes compatibility with most agrochemicals and foliar fertilizers.

When tank mixing:

• Add water to the spray tank first.
• Add the foliar fertilizer according to its label.
• Add the sunscreen last (unless the label specifies a different mixing order).
• Mix thoroughly.
• Spray during the cool part of the day (early morning or late afternoon).
• Test the mixture on a small area before treating the whole crop.

If you tell me:

• the crop (e.g. tomatoes, coffee, mangoes, maize),
• the foliar fertilizer you’re using (brand or formulation), and
• the sunscreen product (brand),

I can advise whether they are likely to be compatible and suggest the appropriate mixing rate.