Freeze-Pruf

[osideterry]

Here's an interesting article for anyone wanting to push zones. I wish they said when it would be coming out.

http://uanews.ua.edu/anews2008/jul08/spray070808.htm

[Mark_NoVA]

It'll be interesting to see what it is and how it works!

[deezpalms]

So is this stuff supposed to be different then anti-stress 2000 and other similar products that puts a light polymer coating on the leaves surface?

[joe_OC]

Dave,

From what I read about it, it sounds like it extends the temp range much further, and it is only a one time application whereas Stress 2000 will breakdown over time and would require applying right before the onset of any extreme weather. That would make it a better product to me...

Joe

[JakeK]

When Dr. Franko was a professor at Miami University a few years back he was exploring ways to increase hardiness on palms. Last time I was on Miami's campus I did see a few of his sabal minors still alive after more than 10 years in being in the ground.

This product might allow for Trachycarpus fortunei to be grown outside year-round in Cincinnati since we are borderline 6b-7a depending on the location.

[SunnyFl]

Thanks for the link - I bookmarked it. Yeah, it's a shame the article doesn't say when it will be available. I'll bet we'll wish we had it this winter.

[FRITO]

apparently its a month or so awayfrom being offered for sale:

link with some replies

http://members3.boardhost.com/HardyPalm/msg/1225220871.html

Edited October 29, 2008 by FRITO

[_Keith]

The minute anyone finds this avaialble please post. I would make the 200 mile drive in a hearbeat. It is a matter of life and death, for plants that is. :-)

[PalmGuyWC]

If anyone gets any information about this product, and when and where it's available, please post it. Just a two degree protection could make a world of difference for some of my palms, such as Jubaeopsis and Parajubaeas.

Dick

[mjff]

I contacted Dr Franko regarding this product, and received the following response:

Martin, thanks for your interest in FreezePruf! This product would work

well for you in that it basically adds a 1/2-USDA Zone or so equivalent

to the hardiness range of palms, so "upper-teens" palms should be good

to go to mid-teens without damage and upper single digits to 10ish or so

without major damage or mortality.

We have recently contracted with GroTech out of Portland, OR, and the

goal is some product availability in the next few weeks. GroTech is

working to set up a website for folks like you who want to purchase

relatively small quantities in this first year.

I am putting you on our 'hot contact' list for notification just as soon

as availability details are finalized. I do hope you'll share your

results with us after trying it out!

Thanks again for the note, and I hope we can get you some FreezePruf

soon.

If you want a more detailed article on FreezePruf, go to the following

U. of Alabama research link:

http://research.ua.edu/archive2008/coldspray.htm

Best,

Dave Francko

[freakypalmguy]

I hope this stuff works. Spray it once in late Nov. or early Dec. and forget about it. Dypblah, dypblah, dypblahblahlah, here I come

[PalmGuyWC]

Matt,

Thanks for the news. Since you know how to contact Dr. Franko, why don't you advise him that that Palm Talk would be a great place to let us all know when the product will be available and more details? I'm sure the Dr. doesn't want to be swamped with hundreds of inquires from all of us plant nuts out here who push margins. He could also get a lot of feedback from us palm nuts. If this stuff really works, I could feel a lots more confortable during our cold months.

Dick

[gsn]

Time will tell if this is for REAL or SNAKE OIL! Many claims have been made by other products?

I must admit I would try it IF it were available,who knows it might actually work ,since the marketing isn't the best,it might be for real? The marketing of most of these products is better than the product!

Here it is Novemeber the 10th, and you are bringing a cold weather product to market,and it is still not availabe,not very good timing.

[joe_OC]

I will be a guinea pig and give the stuff a try!

[mjff]

More correspondance from Dr Franko:

Martin, I WOULD appreciate the post in this Forum - thank you!

However, I don't think it would be best to post MY contact info. I'm

having enough difficulty just keeping up with the current level of

over-the-transom emails and phone calls re: FreezePruf. Right now, the

best thing for interested people is to know that GroTech will be posting

the website soon, and that they are also working on distribution

partners that would get the product to local garden centers, big box

stores and so on.

I'm ccing Mark Russell, the CEO of GroTech, so he knows about your plan

to post my response on the Forum. HE may want to post some product sales

info at the Site soon, e.g., the website info. Also, people may want to

drop HIM a line introducing themselves and giving him sales leads.

Best,

Dave Francko

[Big Tex]

More correspondance from Dr Franko:

Martin, I WOULD appreciate the post in this Forum - thank you!

However, I don't think it would be best to post MY contact info. I'm

having enough difficulty just keeping up with the current level of

over-the-transom emails and phone calls re: FreezePruf. Right now, the

best thing for interested people is to know that GroTech will be posting

the website soon, and that they are also working on distribution

partners that would get the product to local garden centers, big box

stores and so on.

I'm ccing Mark Russell, the CEO of GroTech, so he knows about your plan

to post my response on the Forum. HE may want to post some product sales

info at the Site soon, e.g., the website info. Also, people may want to

drop HIM a line introducing themselves and giving him sales leads.

Best,

Dave Francko

Thanks for posting that bit of information. I have already put my name on the list to be notified when this product is ready for sale. I sure hope it works.

In the mean time I am going to order a product called Anti-Stress 550. Does anyone know if this product is as effective as they says it is?

[_Keith]

This is indeed, exciting stuff. This means a half zone for most folks and that opens up whole new worlds if it works. I remain optimistic until my plants are proven dead.

[AS in SA]

Any updates on this product?? Has anyone been able to obtain it yet?

[Walt]

I contacted Dr Franko regarding this product, and received the following response:

Martin, thanks for your interest in FreezePruf! This product would work

well for you in that it basically adds a 1/2-USDA Zone or so equivalent

to the hardiness range of palms, so "upper-teens" palms should be good

to go to mid-teens without damage and upper single digits to 10ish or so

without major damage or mortality.

We have recently contracted with GroTech out of Portland, OR, and the

goal is some product availability in the next few weeks. GroTech is

working to set up a website for folks like you who want to purchase

relatively small quantities in this first year.

I am putting you on our 'hot contact' list for notification just as soon

as availability details are finalized. I do hope you'll share your

results with us after trying it out!

Thanks again for the note, and I hope we can get you some FreezePruf

soon.

If you want a more detailed article on FreezePruf, go to the following

U. of Alabama research link:

http://research.ua.edu/archive2008/coldspray.htm

Best,

Dave Francko

Dr. Franko's reply is slightly misleading, i.e., "This product would work

well for you in that it basically adds a 1/2-USDA Zone or so equivalent

to the hardiness range of palms....,"

Since this product is a sprayed on topical (and not systemic), it may well add a 1/2 zone USDA zone equivalence to the foilage, but not the stem/trunks, growth bud, etc. on palms. I feel that distinction should be made more apparent. It will do little good to preserve foliage if the growth bud is severely damaged or killed. (I had about 10 small Archontophoenix cunninghamiana palms killed (a protracted death) from 25 degrees and frost. While the frond leaflets might have been able to be protected by this procduct, the juvenile green (non woody) stems and tender growth bud would not.)

The above being said, this product will surely have its place for more mature palms, such as full wooded trunks of kings, foxtails, bottle, spindles et al whose trunks and growth buds would otherwise fare well in a light frost but the foliage would be damaged without the benefit of the spray FreezePruf.

If and when this product hits the market I will try it out. I have enough tender palms in proximity of each other to let one be a guinea pig and they other protected by FreezPruf to see the actual difference.

[PalmGuyWC]

Two or three degrees of cold protection would be a Godsend for me. I'm right on the borderline sometimes. Last winter my low was 25.5F and this winter....so far.....is 27F. I've checked the web and can't find anything about this product. Sometimes with a start up product there are snags and a delay wilth production. Maybe it will be available next winter. I'd sure try it.

Dick

[simona]

I'm very much interested too.

[boko]

I want it NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LJG]

I wonder if I can stop wearing cloths in winter if I spray this stuff all over my body?

[joe_OC]

I wonder if I can stop wearing cloths in winter if I spray this stuff all over my body?

Does that mean you don't wear clothes for the other seasons?

[joe_OC]

"Joe, GroTech as worked out some production/distribution arrangements with several companies, including one that would get the product on shelves in Home Depot, etc. But the earliest that will happen is late winter/early spring. Sorry, but the wheels don’t turn as fast as we would like, especially when government regs are involved. Good news is that FreezePruf should be available in time to protect against those late winter/early spring freeze events early in the 2009 growing season.

-Dave"

Just got this email from Dave...It looks like we will see the stuff in our local HD! Too bad it will not happen for a few more months.

[osideterry]

Now we know why there are practically no photos of Len on the forum. (maybe Mr. Moderator is sparing us)

[AS in SA]

Here's a video clip I found on this product if anyone's interested. Looks promising...

http://physicsnow.net/dbis/stories/2008/18130.html

[PalmGuyWC]

If this product lives up to expectations, it would enable me to get my Parajubaeas and my one Jubaeopsis through winter without much worry. Bring it on!! Just 2 or 3 degrees of protection would make a huge difference. I expect palm growers will put it to the ultimate test when it becomes available.

Dick

[Big Tex]

Dave,

From what I read about it, it sounds like it extends the temp range much further, and it is only a one time application whereas Stress 2000 will breakdown over time and would require applying right before the onset of any extreme weather. That would make it a better product to me...

Joe

That is the only draw back with the anti-stress 2000. It takes quite a bit of time to apply this stuff to palms, especially those you have to climb a ladder to spray. However, I do feel it works. I don't believe it is going to help protect a plant much below is normal hardiness point but those that are sensitive to frost, this type of product has been very helpful in my area. I have made it through a winter with very limited damage, despite weekly frosts.

Edited February 4, 2009 by Big Tex

[freakypalmguy]

If this product lives up to expectations, it would enable me to get my Parajubaeas and my one Jubaeopsis through winter without much worry. Bring it on!! Just 2 or 3 degrees of protection would make a huge difference. I expect palm growers will put it to the ultimate test when it becomes available.

Dick

I'm in the same boat, 2 to 3 degrees would make a big difference for me (the max claim of 9 degrees would be huge). I had damage on Ravena rivularis, Dypsis fine leaf, and Hyphaene coriacea. These all seam to be mainly sensitive to the frost. This stuff seems like it may make the diffenece for me. I'd be willing to try a few more species as well. It might work well for some of the lower growing species such as Chamaedorea.

[PalmGuyWC]

Matt,

I sort of suspect the product would be more effective on soft tissue plants other than palms, however 2 or 3 degrees protection on palms would sure help.

Dick

[Neofolis]

If this works, it would certainly give an advantage to marginal stuff. I don't think I'll be able to bring much out of my polytunnel, but there are things that I would have needed to move outside at some point that could use any help they can get.

If most of the cell damage is caused by the crystalization of liquid inside the cell walls during freeze events, then stopping that shoiuld be beneficial. We already know that there are many things that can be added to water to reduce the temperature at which it freezes, so if a product that is non-toxic to plants and also remains within the cell walls is/has been developed, it should help. I would have thought, though, that such a product would be better applied as an additive when watering, so that it is absorbed through the root system and also reduces the temperature at which the water in the surrounding soil freezes. Such a product would obviously require more regular application, as it would be diluted by rainfall, but I would have thought it would give a more thorough protection.

Who knows, maybe I will see what effect adding normal anti-freeze to my watering can has (or not).

[steve44]

i am curious to know if any has found this product and has used it.

[Juni Perez]

i am curious to know if any has found this product and has used it.

Hi Steve.

My bananas (Musa basjoos, Musa sikkimensis, and Musella lasiocarpa) all survived many overnight lows down to upper 20's F when sprayed with FreezePruf for many weeks. The canna lilies lived through freezing nights down to about 30°F as well, and I didn't even bother to respray once the FreezePruf wore out (5-6 weeks later). The next freeze burned them out. Either way, All of my plants were in-ground more than an extra month this year due to the protection FreezePruf provided. Looking forward to an early spring planting too!

I have yet to see how well it'll help my palm trees survive the winter since they're hardy to much colder weather than we're having, but I'll be sure to post my results. I was told this stuff is great for protecting the crown and bud tissue, so we'll see.

[Juni Perez]

If this works, it would certainly give an advantage to marginal stuff. I don't think I'll be able to bring much out of my polytunnel, but there are things that I would have needed to move outside at some point that could use any help they can get.

If most of the cell damage is caused by the crystalization of liquid inside the cell walls during freeze events, then stopping that shoiuld be beneficial. We already know that there are many things that can be added to water to reduce the temperature at which it freezes, so if a product that is non-toxic to plants and also remains within the cell walls is/has been developed, it should help. I would have thought, though, that such a product would be better applied as an additive when watering, so that it is absorbed through the root system and also reduces the temperature at which the water in the surrounding soil freezes. Such a product would obviously require more regular application, as it would be diluted by rainfall, but I would have thought it would give a more thorough protection.

Who knows, maybe I will see what effect adding normal anti-freeze to my watering can has (or not).

Neo, I asked Dr Francko that question about the roots being protected. In addition to the protective dessicant coating ingredient, FreezePuf also contains an ingredient that helps absorb the product into the plant, so the effects are systemic as well. I was assuming it would be carried into the root system. While they have no direct studies on the roots, there are now field tests on plants growing in pots.

As far as adding anti-freeze to water, I think you'd also need to add something to help the plant absorb that antifreeze. No?

I would honestly stick to non-toxic ingredients. This stuff is food-grade and supposedly safe enough for you to drink.

[PalmatierMeg]

If this works, it would certainly give an advantage to marginal stuff. I don't think I'll be able to bring much out of my polytunnel, but there are things that I would have needed to move outside at some point that could use any help they can get.

If most of the cell damage is caused by the crystalization of liquid inside the cell walls during freeze events, then stopping that shoiuld be beneficial. We already know that there are many things that can be added to water to reduce the temperature at which it freezes, so if a product that is non-toxic to plants and also remains within the cell walls is/has been developed, it should help. I would have thought, though, that such a product would be better applied as an additive when watering, so that it is absorbed through the root system and also reduces the temperature at which the water in the surrounding soil freezes. Such a product would obviously require more regular application, as it would be diluted by rainfall, but I would have thought it would give a more thorough protection.

Who knows, maybe I will see what effect adding normal anti-freeze to my watering can has (or not).

Corey, be aware that antifreeze is extremely toxic to animals (causes catastrophic kidney failure). Although I don't know how it would affect plants I wouldn't let the stuff anywhere near my palms. They are living things, too. Also, we don't know how much antifreeze might help vs. kill. This is stuff you don't want to be splashing about your environment.

[_Keith]

If this works, it would certainly give an advantage to marginal stuff. I don't think I'll be able to bring much out of my polytunnel, but there are things that I would have needed to move outside at some point that could use any help they can get.

If most of the cell damage is caused by the crystalization of liquid inside the cell walls during freeze events, then stopping that shoiuld be beneficial. We already know that there are many things that can be added to water to reduce the temperature at which it freezes, so if a product that is non-toxic to plants and also remains within the cell walls is/has been developed, it should help. I would have thought, though, that such a product would be better applied as an additive when watering, so that it is absorbed through the root system and also reduces the temperature at which the water in the surrounding soil freezes. Such a product would obviously require more regular application, as it would be diluted by rainfall, but I would have thought it would give a more thorough protection.

Who knows, maybe I will see what effect adding normal anti-freeze to my watering can has (or not).

Corey, be aware that antifreeze is extremely toxic to animals (causes catastrophic kidney failure). Although I don't know how it would affect plants I wouldn't let the stuff anywhere near my palms. They are living things, too. Also, we don't know how much antifreeze might help vs. kill. This is stuff you don't want to be splashing about your environment.

Although I suspect Corey was joking, for the record, automotive anti-freeze will kill your plants.

[Kailua_Krish]

I know that Antifreeze is toxic to animals because of the ethanol enzyme system we have but why is it toxic to plants? Anyone have any ideas/want to enlighten me? More knowledge is always better

-Krishna

[PalmGuyWC]

Tongue in cheek here, but doesn't alcohol freeze at a much lower temperature than water? Vodka is designed to be absorbed by the human body so, diluted, it shouldn't hurt plants. I wouldn't know what ratio, but maybe a cup of vodka to a quart of water? I have read that diluted, stale beer is benificial to plants, but maybe it's the other ingrediants in beer rather than the alcohol. It might be worth trying.

Dick

[BeerPlant]

has anyone had success in using this product yet???