Another 2013 review http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-81-322-0723-8_7# "Title: Disguising the Leaf Surface Abstract The leaf surface provides the first barrier that fungi must overcome in order to gain access to the leaf, but it also provides chemical and physical cues that are necessary for the development of infection structures for many fungal pathogens. Film-forming polymers can coat the leaf surface, acting not just as an extra barrier to infection but also disguising the cues necessary for germling development. Kaolin particle films can envelop the leaf in a hydrophobic particle film barrier that prevents spores or water from directly contacting the leaf surface and, as a result, can suppress infection. Adhesion of fungal spores to the leaf surface, which is important to keep spores on the leaf surface and for appropriate development of the fungus on the leaf surface, can be inhibited, leading to reduced infection and lesion development. Polymer and particle films have been shown to provide disease control in the field, whilst research on agents that inhibit spore adhesion on leaf surfaces is still in its infancy. There is an urgent need for research on the practicality of using these novel methods under field conditions and on ways of integrating them into current crop protection programmes. " Here is a link that might be useful: link for 2013 review

Math Error in First Post added Correction. The TDS in Foliage Pro Solution must be much higher than approximated. Edit: Math Error 1tsp= 4.94 ml 4.94grams at sp=1 1US Gal = 3.785411784 liters (0.18)*(4.94g/4)/3785= 235ppm Error Should be (0.18)*(4.94g/4)/3785= 58.7ppm at conversion factors of 500 ppm/mS or 640 ppm/mS 58.7ppm/500= 117uS or 58.7ppm/640= 91.7uS Too Low to be accurate "Edit: Math Error 1tsp= 4.94 ml 4.94grams at sp=1 1US Gal = 3.785411784 liters (0.18)*(4.94g/4)/3785= 235ppm Should be (0.18)*(4.94g/4)/3785= 58.7ppm at conversion factors of 500 ppm/ms or 640 ppm/ms 58.7ppm/500= 117uS or 58.7ppm/640= 91.7uS Too Low to be accurate "Not sure I'd have been comfortable with the assumptions behind the "total" ppm approximation" You were Correct on that Maybe others that use Foliage Pro can validate the EC readings with other meters. Even at 320 grams/Liter 1/4 tsp/Gal gives only about 105ppm total concentration. This is about 164 uS at 640 factor.

Actually, if you use a syringe there's no need for a dispensing tip, sharp or otherwise. 1 teaspon = 5 mL. I would not consider it an extreme effort to measure the amount of fertilizer that's being applied - that is after all the way it is intended to be used. I have smaller bottles (~60 mL amber bottles) which I fill from the large bottle of FP and it's easy to go into the small bottle and withdraw the required amount. Syringing is much easier and faster for me then it would be to try to fill a half a capful without spilling or overdoing it! Plus, it's easy to modify the dosage strength based on weather conditions. The other advantage to filling the small bottle is, you don't have to open the big bottle everytime you want to do an application.

Dave- I haven't used it yet. CoriAnn uses it. I'll ask her. I'll let everyone know if I see any improvement to anthracnose after I foliar spray since I don't have much blackspot. I'll also see if it helps with aphids since I have these too. Patty- funny in a not funny, haha, way! I think "ironic" might be the better word. Is anthracnose as bad a disease as black spot? My roses look awful but they still have their leaves unlike with bs. And some of the Kordes are fine as is Julia and my DA Windermere and Queen of Sweden. I'm still learning. Since it doesn't cause complete defoliation I'm thinking (hoping) it might be the lesser of two evils. I haven't sprayed yet, partly out of laziness but mostly out of concern for the environment. So many of these products are harmful to aquatic life. Our property abuts a designated swamp. I'd hate to cause damage to the eco-system there. My hydrangeas and hostas look fine so it doesn't seem as bad as yours. I'll let you know when I use the Pro-tekt. With luck it just might do what it says it does. Wouldn't that be great :-) Kelp4Less has silica powder available for hydroponics. According to the info it has recently been approved asa plant nutrient recognized by science. It's helpful for those who especially grow in raised beds or pots which CoriAnn does. I have bought from Kelp4Less. They're a bit pricy but have great service and organic products. The video is a bit long but here's the link if anyone is interested- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB5pBCdnMTE Dave- it seems according to the Kelp4Less is used as a drench not a foliar spray. It might be because they are geared more to hydroponics though. Their's is neutral ph. There are 9 reviews by buyers that say they see improvement in stem strength, leaf strength and disease resistance. I don't think CoriAnn gets much disease in CA where she gardens but she does get extreme heat and uses Pro-tekt for heat and drought stress. Sharon