Revolutionary, low water volume super spreader Du-Wett Stainless ensures thorough coverage to realise the full potential of kiwi fruit stain removal sprays.
Revolutionary, low water volume Du-Wett® Stainless delivers on results, savings
Achieving thorough coverage is essential to realising the full potential of kiwi fruit stain removal sprays. But not just any adjuvant will do.
Du-Wett Stainless from sustainable horticulture solutions provider UPL NZ Ltd is a specialist low water volume product that complements stain removers – helping get kiwi fruit stain-free and ready for picking - faster.
Specifically formulated for use with low pH water stain removal products, including New Zealand industry preferred sprays Kiwilustre®LF and Kiwi Stainoff LF, Du-Wett Stainless delivers the deposition these products need to provide superior results, without degradation or compromising efficacy.
Increased spray deposition and overall coverage 5-10 times
UPL NZ Ltd.’s Adjuvant Product Manager David Lingan says conventional super-spreaders simply cannot withstand low pH stain removal environments (typically around pH 3). Usually, acidity would break down the surfactants or wetting agents. David says, in contrast, Du-Wett Stainless really comes through. “It’s great tech!”
“While the lactic acid in the stain removal products is very effective at dissolving stains, achieving good coverage is vital. It’s essential to wet the entire fruit to effectively get rid of stains.”
David says Du-Wett Stainless increases spray deposition and overall coverage on treated fruit by at least 5 to 10 times that of standard non-ionic adjuvants. “That makes a big difference to the stain removal results.”
He adds that while the characteristic dark stains, from tannins from kiwi fruit foliage and vines after heavy dew, fog, rain or overhead irrigation, don’t impact kiwi fruit quality they are considered a cosmetic defect and their presence will result in downgrading or even rejection. “Essentially, they just make the fruit look ugly.”
Very successful even with 'furry' green kiwi fruit
David says the real challenge is that kiwi fruit, particularly green kiwi fruit (Hayward), is very difficult to wet efficiently. “They are definitely in the category of a hard to wet crop. Green kiwi fruit are covered in trichomes (very dense “hairs”). That makes them very furry and means that any water or spray just tends to sit on top of the fruit.”
“What Du-Wett Stainless does very successfully is break that surface tension. It gives you a very even sheen and spread. That way, you ensure you get the most reach and positive contact from your spray.”
David says Du-Wett Stainless also provides good value for money. “This product extracts every last cent of value from the stain removal sprays. That’s important as growers have to have a close eye on their bottom line.” And, he says, the benefits of the revolutionary, low water volume super-spreader don’t stop there.
1/3rd less than usual water volume with Du-Wett Stainless
Du-Wett Stainless uses around 1/3rd the usual water volume. Fruit dries sooner after spray application, as most of the water on the fruit runs off more quickly and harvesting can start earlier.
David explains that substantially reduces spraying time and costs and also reflects relatively new sensitivities around water use and waste. “It’s a product that’s time has really come. And it makes life easier for growers and contractors and gives greater certainty of outcome.”
David says the potential benefits of reducing water volumes are far-reaching. “Using much lower water rates makes spraying faster, meaning less time in the kiwi fruit orchards, and reduced re-filling and travelling. It cuts diesel use, downtime, and total hours on the job. That’s especially important if blocks are geographically spread.”
David says the balance sheet benefits are measurable and significant. “Previously, for many growing high value crops, those costs were simply considered part of doing business. But actually, we’re coming to the realisation that even water isn’t ‘free’!
For more information on Du-Wett Stainless read here.
