Sizer XL is a 4-20-22 urea, di-potassium, poly phosphate and phosphite combination product.    Many specialty crops growers are seeing benefits in quality and production with supplemental applications of Sizer XL.  

 

Blueberry growers and Vidalia Onion growers are utilizing Sizer XL in their production.  According to Gary Veal, Technical Sales Agronomist, Sizer XL is not intended to replace growers’ fertility program but to supplement P&K at key stages of development.  

 

Plant Food Systems’ trials have demonstrated that adding a highly soluble form of P&K is beneficial to quality and production. Veal says that Sizer XL is the most soluble form of phosphorus and potassium available.  

 

Sizer XL foliar sprays go to work immediately. Veal says, we are putting the supplemental P&K where we need it on the nuts and leaves.  Our challenge was to find the right time to take advantage of supplemental applications of Sizer XL. In pecans, the strategy is to get past the June nut-drop and focus Sizer XL sequential applications in July and August to improve quality and production on nuts remaining. 

 

In 2022, Plant Food Systems, Inc. sponsored a pecan research trial with Southeastern Ag Research, Chula Georgia, with Dr. David Moore managing the trial.  The protocol called for a one-gallon per acre application of Sizer XL in July, followed by a second, one-gallon application in August.  

 

The replicated harvest trial resulted in 221 additional pounds of pecans per acre.  Veal commented, this is a significant increase in production with an outstanding return-on -investment.  Another surprise was the nut-meat damage assessment.  

 

Veal states, the untreated area had a nut-meat damage rating of 2 while the area treated with Sizer XL had a nut-meat damage rating of .47.  Veal commented, the improvement in nut-meat quality means the grower should be paid top dollar available for that variety.  

 

Veal continues, we want to help our pecan growers find ways to improve their bottom line in the current environment of high input costs and reduced prices for the pecan crop. Currently, younger trees have a decent crop while more mature trees are hit and miss with nut-set.   

 

 

With all the recent rains we are likely to have a lot of scab pressure in high-risk varieties and lots of expense to protect them.  We encourage pecan growers try Sizer XL on younger trees with good yield potential and focus Sizer XL applications on varieties categorized as low to medium risk for scab susceptibility.  

 

The future for improved return on investment is to employ new practices on low-medium scab risk varieties with high values.  I hope our growers will consider trying Sizer XL on some of their acres, says Veal.  

 

Plant Food Systems, Inc. is the manufacturer of Kphite 7LP and Sizer XL based in Zellwood Florida USA. Gary Veal is Technical Sales Agronomist based in Ocilla Georgia