In ornamental and container crops, liverwort can be a persistent problem, especially during the wet months. Liverworts thrive in these wet conditions and can quickly spread over pots, containers and other growing surfaces. This hinders the plants' uptake of nutrients, which can lead to growth retardation and deficiency symptoms in the long run. In addition, liverwort significantly reduces ornamental value. Using the agent MossKade offers an effective solution to this problem, says supplier and manufacturer HortiPro. "When applied correctly, the environmentally friendly agent can control liverwort without negative effects on the plant and its surroundings."
Removing liverwort
Liverwort is a primitive plant that can reproduce both sexually and non-sexually. As a result, it can quickly form a dense layer on cultivation surfaces, preventing important nutrients and water from penetrating properly into the plant's roots. This impedes plant health and growth and can eventually lead to deficiency symptoms, such as yellowing of leaves or slowed growth. Timely management of liverwort is therefore essential to protect plant development and quality.
Control with MossKade
MossKade is a pesticide specially developed to control liverwort. "MossKade is environmentally friendly, effective and has a natural composition that has no negative effects on beneficial insects, humans, animals and the environment. It is also safe to use near waterways such as ditches and canals, making it versatile within a variety of growing environments. Moreover, no spray licence is required for the application of MossKade, further enhancing its ease of use."
Importance of correct application
For optimal results, however, MossKade requires careful application. "The effectiveness of the drug is greatest when applied to active liverworts. This means that the stomata of the moss must be open. This is usually the case in the morning hours when the moss is moist, so it is advisable to apply MossKade early in the day."
Application tips
Firstly, timing is important; Apply MossKade early in the morning when the moss is moist and active and the stomata are open. Then, proper concentration; Dilute MossKade at a ratio of 1 to 10 (1 litre of MossKade to 10 litres of water) for the spray solution. Followed by spraying technique; use a coarse nozzle, such as a Teejet 8005 or equivalent, to thoroughly cover the moss. This ensures even coverage (coating) and better penetration. And last but not least drying for best effect; allow the spray solution to dry on the treated moss during the day. This promotes the curing of the coating and thus the death of the moss by properly sealing the stomata.
In cases of extreme moss growth, a second treatment may be necessary to allow the moss to die off completely.
Safety and precautions
MossKade is generally well tolerated by plants and has no negative effects on plant growth. Nevertheless, for first applications, especially on young and unrooted cuttings, it is advisable to carry out a trial spray to avoid phytoxicity, advises HortiPro. "Its low environmental impact and absence of harmful side effects make MossKade a reliable choice for sustainable cultivation."
Conclusion for liverwort control
Liverworts are a common problem in professional ornamental and container crops, especially in moist conditions such as in autumn. "MossKade provides an effective and environmentally friendly solution for liverwort control, helping to ensure the health of the crop. By properly applying MossKade, growers can effectively control liverwort growth and secure nutrient and water access to their plants' roots. Thanks to its user-friendly and environmentally friendly properties, MossKade can contribute to a healthy and sustainable growing environment."
For more information:
Eric Kerklaan and Lennart Simonse
HortiPro
[email protected]
www.hortipro.com