Surround, the well known brand in the sunburn and heat stress protection market now has another feather in its cap. NASAA, the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia has recently approved Surround as an input for organic crop production. This approval allows organic growers to apply Surround to protect their crops against the harsh effects of sunburn and heatstress whilst maintaining their organic status.

It is widely recognized that sunburn and heat stress can reduce yields of fruit and vegetables by up to 30%. This can place enormous pressure on grower returns as both quality and quantity of the produce is affected. Sunburn damage on crops is caused by an interaction of air temperature, ultraviolet (UV) and infrared radiation (IR). By applying Surround WP evenly to crops before the onset of heatwave conditions and keeping a protective layer on the crop over the summer, growers can minimize the losses expected from sunburn damage. Surround reflects more UV and IR radiation than any other product in the market.

Darren Thomas, sales and marketing manager for AgNova Technologies, the Australian supplier of Surround, said, "Surround crop protectant reduces crop damage caused by sunburn and heat stress when used according to the product label. Surround is a pH neutral formulation made from natural kaolin clay, which is refined and processed to create an optimum formulation that genuinely protects against sunburn and heat stress. It was co-developed by the United States Department of Agriculture and Engelhard Corporation in the 1990s, Surround was first trialed in Australia in 1998, and ongoing research over many years has refined its use throughout a wide range of crops, including wine grapes, pome fruit, stone fruit, tomatoes, onions and cucurbits."

For more information contact AgNova Technologies on (03) 9899 8100.

Prepare for Sunburn Season

October 26, 2011

Early and even application of Surround well before heat events is essential for superior performance and productivity. A grower-conducted trial on over 30,000 trees has demonstrated again that choosing the best sunburn protection product and applying it correctly can dramatically improve grower returns.

Press release (216 kb PDF)

Slugs a threat at sowing

September 1, 2011

Slugs are on the move, with a wet summer and autumn resulting in one of the worst seasons for slugs in Tasmania. The conditions this year have been particularly favourable for the grey field slug, Deroceras reticulatum, and with each slug able to lay up to 200 eggs, it's added to up huge numbers of slugs in the paddock.

Press release (484 kb PDF)

New formulation of Pyramin even easier to use

December 10, 2010

AgNova Technologies are proud to announce the launch of an improved formulation of Pyramin this month. Pyramin WG is a wettable granule formulation which replaces the long serving wettable powder. It is registered to control weeds in beetroot, fodder beet and silverbeet crops.

The new formulation is less dusty which means it is easier to handle and mix and improves operator safety. Pyramin WG is easier to suspend in water than the WP formulation.

Mr Darren Thomas, sales and marketing manager with AgNova Technologies said, "This is the most significant formulation change in more than 20 years of Pyramin history. Pyramin is a highly specialized herbicide which is a very important tool for beet growers in Australia. AgNova listened to its customers and combined this formulation change with a new packsize to make the product more user-friendly. The previous formulation was supplied in a 20 kg paper bag. The new Pyramin WG comes in a 5 kg paper bag in a box. The smaller pack size is much easier to handle and will appeal to both small and large scale growers."

For more information contact Darren Thomas, AgNova Technologies (03) 9840 2333.

Surround takes the heat off

December 1, 2010

Several trials have been conducted which prove that Surround has no detrimental impact on fermentation or, importantly, wine quality. An independent study conducted by the Commercial Services group of the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) produced a report demonstrating that an application of Surround to wine grapes had no detrimental impact on fermentation or wine quality.

Press release (98 kb PDF)

Innovative sprayer modification improves efficiency

November 26, 2009

A Shepparton fruit grower, well known for innovation in the industry has developed a modification to the standard orchard air blast sprayer that’s set to change the way sunburn protection products are applied to fruit crops.

Press release (487 kb PDF)

Ambush now has Lettuce use in all states

November 24, 2009

Ambush has been a highly trusted and proven insecticide in Australian horticulture for many years. It is recognized for controlling a broad spectrum of insect pests in a wide range of crops.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has recently approved the use of Ambush on lettuce crops in all states of Australia. This use will benefit the many hundreds of lettuce producers throughout all states in Australia.

For more information contact Darren Thomas, AgNova Technologies Pty Ltd on (03) 9840 2333.

Surround proven winner for orchard returns

November 12, 2009

A recent grower-conducted trial has demonstrated again that choosing the best sunburn protection product and applying it correctly can dramatically improve grower returns.

Press release (487 kb PDF)

Linuron herbicides join AgNova portfolio

November 1, 2009

AgNova Technologies is proud to confirm that its appointment as distributor of the Linuron^® herbicide range of products will take effect from November 1st 2009.

Mr Darren Thomas, sales and marketing manager for AgNova Technologies said, "Linuron was acquired in mid-2009 by Novasource TKI, and will join other products in their range that are distributed by AgNova in Australia. These products include Surround^® WP Crop Protectant and Sinbar^® Herbicide."

"Under its partnership with Novasource TKI, AgNova will provide ongoing support for the Linuron range in carrots, onions, potatoes and other key crops."

Mr Thomas added, "Linuron is the most trusted herbicide used in carrot production in Australia. It is extremely versatile, being safe and effective not only on carrots but also coriander, parsnips, cereals, onions, potatoes, soybeans, sweet corn and maize."

Linuron is available in a choice of formulations, a 480g/L Liquid and a 500g/kg Dry Flowable granular formulation.

For more information contact Darren Thomas on (03) 9840 2333.

New Pasture registration for Metarex

June 9, 2009

The Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicine Authority has approved a new use for the premium all weather slug and snail bait, Metarex. Metarex is the only metaldehyde based bait registered specifically for use in pastures.

Darren Thomas, sales and marketing manager with AgNova Technologies said, "Metarex has always been recognized as the most palatable and effective slug and snail bait. Now it is even more flexible." The new product label allows users to sow pasture seed with Metarex into the furrow. Having the bait in close proximity to pasture seed ensures seedlings are protected against slug damage when they are at their most vulnerable.

Slugs can significantly impact pasture establishment, especially in cold wet conditions. Slugs feed on seeds and seedlings, both below and above ground level. Damaged seedlings rarely emerge, often leading to costly re-sowing. Mr Thomas added, "Slug populations are commonly encountered in excess of 100,000 per hectare and with a voracious appetite for crops and pastures, they can quickly decimate a plant stand. With a small, even bait size, Metarex is ideal for mixing and sowing with pasture seed while providing a large number of bait points per square metre."

Metarex was designed for wet European conditions where ordinary bran based baits quickly deteriorate and are quickly rendered ineffective. Metarex is manufactured using a wet process which provides superior rainfastness to ordinary slug and snail baits. This means growers who choose Metarex often have to apply less kilograms per hectare and save on applications and the associated costs.

For more information contact Darren Thomas on (03) 9840 2333.