Article provided by Dr. Abdel El Hadrami
Hail is caused by strong updrafts in intense thunderstorms that are supercharged with moisture, and especially cold upper-atmosphere temperatures. The ample moisture combined with cold temperatures allows for hailstone growth and development. Hail is more common in spring and summer, especially in regions like the Prairies where all these conditions frequently come together.
Hail can have both immediate and longer-term devastating effects on crops being static in the field and exposed. The immediate effects are the results of the physical damage inflicted on the crops through first and foremost the shredding of leaves leading to tears and punctures that could result in a lower ability to photosynthesize. Depending on the size and severity of hailstorms stems, branches and leaves can also get broken leading to damage of the growing tips, which can result in a stunting of the growth or a complete kill of the tender parts of the plants. Hail leaves the crops with extensive bruises that can become entry points for many pathogens and pests, destroy fruits and vegetables mor making them less marketable due to blemishes or rots. Large hailstorms are accompanied by heavy rain, which can compact the soil and make it harder for roots to grow and absorb nutrients. In addition to the immediate devastating effect hail has long lasting economical impacts as it reduces yield and quality, increases production cost to ensure crop recovery and health, delays harvest, and increases insurance premiums.
Hail aka the white combine is one of the few weather events that can destroy an entire crop in minutes, making it a major concern in agriculture. Restoring growth and development after hail damage requires a quick assessment of the severity of the damage along with the time left to bring the new crop to maturity for a timely harvest. It relies on sealing the wounds and stimulating new growth. For instance, boron plays a critical role in crop recovery after hail damage because it supports key processes that are essential for healing, re-growth, and new tissue development. Boron is vital for cell wall formation and stability, especially in newly formed plant tissues. After hail damage, plants need to rapidly produce new cells to replace shredded leaves and broken stems, and boron is an essential component to drive that process. Boron also enhances the movement of sugars and nutrients through the plant’s vascular system (xylem and phloem). This is important after hail, when plants are trying to redirect energy to regrow damaged parts. In addition, recovering crops reach reproductive stage quicker than the initial crop and boron is essential for pollen formation, flower retention, and fruit set. After hail, flowers and buds are often damaged and an adequate boron can help the crop recover reproductive potential if it’s still within the growing window. Above all, boron strengthens the structural integrity of the cell walls of the new growth, making it more resilient to future stress or secondary infections. This enhances wound healing and defense. In fact, Boron indirectly aids in the formation of phenolic compounds, which help plants defend against pathogens that might enter through hail wounds.
OMEX Hail Recovery Program Overview
OMEX’s hail recovery strategy emphasizes the importance of timely intervention, ideally within 48 to 72 hours post-storm, to maximize the benefits of foliar applications. OMEX products are formulated with Stress Reliever Technology™, which aids in offsetting energy reallocation during stress periods, promoting quicker recovery (omexcanada.com).
Key Products in the Recovery Program
- The Stress Reliever C3, P3 or Nutriboost
- Composition: Stress Reliever Technology™
- Benefits: Boosts metabolism, provides energy through high phosphorus content, and relieves crops from early-season stress.
- Application: Recommended for cereal crops at the 3-5 leaf stage, canola at the 1-4 leaf stage, and peas at the 1-6 node stage.
- Usage: Apply at 1 L/ac with a minimum of 10 gal/ac of water. Can be used alone or in combination with pesticides.
- Super B
- Composition: 10% Boron
- Benefits: Essential for cell wall formation and stability, boron supports key processes that are crucial for healing, regrowth, and new tissue development.
- Application: Tank-mix with 0.5 L/ac of C3 on hail-damaged crops.
Expected Outcomes
- Improved Root and Shoot Growth: Enhanced development leading to stronger plants.
- Faster Recovery from Stress: Transition from yellowing to a greener crop.
- Preserved Yield Potential: Maintaining yield and quality despite stress.
- Advancement of Crop Maturity: Ensuring timely maturity even after stress events.
Application Guidelines
- Timing: Apply products within 48 to 72 hours after hail damage for optimal results.
- Compatibility: Most OMEX products are compatible with commonly used pesticides. Always refer to compatibility charts.
- Mixing Order: When tank-mixing, add the pesticides then the foliars. If applying with Super B, add Super B last to the tank.
Contact Information
For personalized advice and to tailor a recovery program to your specific needs, contact Andrew or Patrick Fabian at Fabian Seed Farms Inc. or your local OMEX representative.
By promptly addressing the nutritional needs of your crops after hail damage, OMEX’s hail recovery program can significantly enhance the resilience and productivity of your fields.
(N.B. – Fabian Seed Farms recognizes that “time is tissue”, and recognizes that the longer application is delayed, the lower the yield potential is. We have these products in stock and ready to go for immediate deployment if a hailstorm or severe weather event occurs -Patrick)
