pro-tekt

[CTB]

Bill Thoms suggested using Pro-Tekt on bulbos, for stress in the heat, does anyone use this product?

[ezil]

I do, especially during the growing period. It is supposed to help plants be more resistant to diseases and less attractive to pests. I'm not sure if it's true, as I'm very vigilant as far as critters are concerned. My plants are overall very healthy. I would suggest that if you start using it, you keep a close eye on the TDS and the pH, since it will raise both.

[AHAB]

Ditto!

[Paul Mc]

What is tds? I did not know about the ph either. I use it on all of my plants that are having issues. It is also supposed to aid with environmental stresses due to over/underwatering as well from my limited understanding of it. Basically helping to "harden" the plant a bit.

[CTB]

I think it is Total Dissolved Solids, which I don't know what that means either. I'm thinking of a salt or fertilizer build up.

[Ray]

Pro-Tekt is a potassium silicate solution. The silicon is supposed to "harden" the cell walls to prevent insect damage, but personally, I don't buy it.

It does, however, seem to extend the heat tolerance of plants, although I have no idea of the mechanism.

Total dissolved solids, or TDS, is a measure of the amount of mineral content dissolved in your water, no matter what it consists of. Pure water - distilled, RO, etc - will have a TDS close to zero.

When you add fertilizers and additives to your water, it increases the TDS. Some plants are sensitive to high solids contents, so you should be aware of what you're doing (and if your plants are sensitive).

Pro-Tekt will increase the pH of solutions, but that may- or may not be an issue.

[CTB]

Ray, do you not like some results with it, or just don't need it?

[Ray]

Before fertilizers were available for RO water (controlling the pH) I used Pro-tekt to adjust my solution pH upward. I saw no harm or help from using it, and have seen no changes since dropping it altogether.

[CTB]

Thanks for your input!