Thoughts on using an anti-transpirant

[chris]

I'm new to growing citrus, but from my research, it appears a common killer of non-deciduous citrus in the winter is due to a combination of frozen roots and windy conditions during severe cold. This results in dehydration and death.

There are products out there such as Wilt-Pruf that are designed to limit transpiration and protect tender growth during winter. I've read lots of good testimonies on it's use on evergreen trees. Has anyone tried using similar products for citrus with resulting better survival? This might be something worth trialing if it hasn't been done already.

[poncirusguy]

I nave sprayed with dormant oil.

[david]

Hi Chris
You are correct. Winter cold and loss of water are a deadly combination for citrus. I am not in an area where this is a problem. I have used wilt proof for transplanting large trees. When you transplant, water loss and transpiration are factors to watch. We have so much water in winter. Welcome to the forum. You will find good folks & information here😁

[ash]

This might not be relevant to citrus but it just reminded me of when I was young and we were going to lose an entire crop of potatoes to a late freeze so we sprayed the plants we could with water all night and of course they froze soiled and were covered in a thick layer ice from all the water but they survived. The plants we were unable to soke with water got no ice on them just some frost but they all died. I think it's the type of ice that forms on plants that kills them rather than the cold and I'm sure I read that clear lce doesn't kill plants. Don't take my word for it though its just what if remember from being a kid and I don't really know much about it. I don't know if it would work with citrus but soaking plants in water during a freeze does work

[Sylvain]

For citrus they use sprinklers. It works very well but if it goes for a too long time, branches can be broken by the weight of the ice.