Frequently Asked Questions

An anti-stressant is a foliar fertilizer with biologically active substances — above all free L-α-amino acids — that helps a plant come out of stress faster. Heat, drought, frost, hail, flooding or the phytotoxic effect of crop protection products slow the metabolism down: breakdown starts to outweigh synthesis and photosynthesis drops almost to a standstill. This «stress pit» can last up to 14 days, and the crop loses yield the whole time. An anti-stressant gives the plant ready building material and energy, so recovery is much faster.

The range has six fertilizers, each for its own type of stress:

• GROS Zdorovya — the all-purpose anti-stressant, with the highest amino acid content in the range (L-α — 12 %, nitrogen — 2 %).
• GROS Amino-Zn — against temperature stress: zinc as an EDTA chelate (2 %) plus amino acids (9 %).
• GROS Amino-Mg — magnesium (MgO 12 %) + nitrogen (9 %) + amino acids (7 %) to restore photosynthesis.
• ECOLINE Complex Universal Rist (Amino) — chelated macro- and micronutrients plus amino acids (7 %), improves cold tolerance.
• POLYACTIV Boost — five groups of biologically active substances for complex stress: after hail or chemical burn.
• ECOLINE Phosphite (K-Amino) — phosphorus as potassium phosphite (25 %) plus amino acids (7 %), helps with stress after crop protection treatments and soil herbicides washing into the root zone, and with recovery after frost damage.

The spatial structure of amino acid molecules largely determines how well they are taken up in foliar application. Amino acids exist in two mirror forms — L and D — and the form decides whether the plant can use them. The plant synthesises the L-form itself, so it takes it up easily and quickly, and it is this form that gives the anti-stress effect. To use the D-form the plant has to spend extra energy, which is exactly what it lacks under stress. Under unfavourable conditions a plant accumulates free amino acids itself, as a defence mechanism. Supplied from outside, they let it get through the stress without halting protein synthesis. Every ECOORGANIC anti-stressant contains free L-α-amino acids.

The best result comes from applying it in the first days after the stress, while the plant is still in the «stress pit» (up to 14 days). Wait longer and the lost yield potential cannot be made up. When the stress is predictable — heat in a critical stage — it is worth adding the anti-stressant to the scheduled treatment. On sunflower, for example, GROS Amino-Zn is recommended from the star stage to the beginning of flowering together with a fungicide. In Ukraine stresses most often occur from mid-April to the end of July. When spring frosts are forecast, it pays to apply ECOLINE Complex Universal Rist (Amino) in advance: it raises the concentration of the cell sap, which lowers the freezing point and reduces cell damage.

For hail-damaged crops ECOORGANIC recommends POLYACTIV Boost at 0.5–1.0 l/ha. It combines amino acids, seaweed extract, humic and fulvic acids, polysaccharides and phytohormones, so it helps to repair damaged tissue and restores growth. In the Zhytomyr region sunflower hit by hail was treated with POLYACTIV Boost at 1.0 l/ha. The control plants stayed depressed and lagged in growth, while the treated plot showed a clear difference. The same product also helps plants recover from herbicide burn.

Against heat stress the best choice is GROS Amino-Zn at 1.0 l/ha: zinc is part of the enzymes that raise tolerance to heat and drought, and the amino acids strengthen the anti-stress effect. In trials on different crops under heat stress it gave a yield increase of 8.0 to 16.4 %. On stubble sunflower the average head weight was 40 % higher than on the control. Do not spray in the heat of the day: feed only in the morning or evening, at temperatures below 25 °C.

After cold stress ECOLINE Phosphite (K-Amino) works well: the plant takes it up very quickly even at low temperatures, and it enters the metabolism to repair damaged cells. In apple orchards, ECOLINE Phosphite (K-Amino) at 2.0 l/ha after a sharp drop in temperature to −5 °C raised the share of surviving flower clusters by more than 75 % compared with the control.

Depressed maize at the 4–6 leaf stage often suffers from cold, the herbicide and a zinc shortage at once — and maize is very sensitive to zinc. For this stage the options are:

• ECOLINE Universal Rist (Amino) — 1.0–2.0 l/ha at the 4–6 leaf stage;
• ECOLINE Zinc (Chelate) — 0.5–1.0 l/ha at the 4–6 leaf stage, especially where zinc deficiency shows (whitening of the leaf tip);
• POLYACTIV Boost — 0.5–1.0 l/ha from 4–8 leaves to tasselling.

After pesticide-induced stress ECOORGANIC also advises ECOLINE Phosphite (K-Amino) at 1.0–2.0 l/ha.

GROS Zdorovya is applied foliarly at the following rates:

• winter and spring cereals — 1.0–1.5 l/ha (tillering, flag leaf);
• winter and spring rapeseed — 1.0–1.5 l/ha (from 4 leaves to stem elongation);
• maize — 1.0–2.0 l/ha (4–8 leaves to tasselling);
• sunflower — 1.0–2.0 l/ha (4–8 leaf pairs, star stage);
• sugar beet — 1.0–2.0 l/ha (2–4 leaves to row closure);
• pulses — 1.0 l/ha (pod formation).

The fertilizer is taken up quickly and suits tank mixes.

The composition of POLYACTIV Boost: nitrogen 8 %, L-α-amino acids 10 %, seaweed extract 10 %, polysaccharides 15 %, humic and fulvic acids 3 %, organic matter 5 %, phytohormones 10 ppm. It regulates metabolism, improves nutrient uptake, softens the impact of high and low temperatures and strengthens cell walls. Rates:

• cereals — 0.5–1.0 l/ha;
• maize, rapeseed, sunflower, pulses — 0.5–1.0 l/ha;
• potato — 0.5–1.5 l/ha;
• vegetables — 1.0–1.5 l/ha;
• oil flax — 1.0 l/ha;
• fruit and berry crops — 1.5–2.0 l/ha.

GROS Amino-Mg is needed when stress comes together with a magnesium shortage — magnesium is the core of chlorophyll, and without it photosynthesis will not recover. The composition: MgO 12 %, nitrogen 9 %, L-α-amino acids 7 %. It suits every crop. Rates:

• cereals — 1.0 l/ha (tillering to early heading);
• winter rapeseed — 1.0–1.5 l/ha (4–6 leaves to rosette);
• sunflower — 2.0 l/ha (4–8 leaf pairs);
• maize — 1.5–2.0 l/ha (4–8 leaves to tasselling);
• sugar beet — 1.5–2.0 l/ha a month before harvest;
• pome fruit — 1.0–1.5 l/ha twice, two weeks apart.

Go by the severity of the stress:

• GROS Zdorovya — the default choice for ordinary situations: moderate heat, a cold snap, stress after a crop protection treatment. It has the highest L-α-amino acid content in the range (12 %) and is simple to use.
• POLYACTIV Boost — for complex and combined stress, where plants are physically damaged: hail, several days of flooding, cold together with torn leaves. Its five groups of active substances (amino acids, seaweed, humic acids, polysaccharides, phytohormones) not only relieve the stress but also start tissue repair.

Zinc helps sunflower withstand heat, and together with amino acids it lifts temperature stress faster. The recommended rate of GROS Amino-Zn is 1.0 l/ha at the 6–8 leaf pair stage. In a hot season it can be applied from the star stage to the beginning of flowering, in a tank mix with a fungicide. In a trial on stubble sunflower (Poltava region) the heads on the treated plot were 40 % heavier, the seed was larger and rust infection noticeably weaker.

For potato the choice depends on the type of stress:

• prolonged heat and drought — GROS Amino-Zn at 1.0 l/ha at the start of tuber formation; in a trial with the Agroanaliz company the yield rose by 16.4 % (34.1 t/ha against 29.3 t/ha on the control) and the share of the largest tubers by 37.9 %;
• GROS Zdorovya at 1.0 l/ha in the same trial gave a yield increase of +12.3 %;
• after frost and where stress is visible — POLYACTIV Boost at 0.5–1.5 l/ha (from stem formation to tuber formation) or Universal Rist (Amino) at 1.0–2.0 l/ha (from stem formation to early flowering).

On vegetable crops the usual choice is ECOLINE Universal Rist (Amino), because it contains macro- and micronutrients together with amino acids. Rates: tomato and pepper — 1.5–3.0 l/ha (from transplanting to fruit formation), cucumber and cabbage — 2.0–4.0 l/ha during the season. Under pronounced stress POLYACTIV Boost at 1.0–1.5 l/ha helps. For fruit set in heat use GROS Amino-Zn at 1.0 l/ha, and for firmer tissue ECOLINE Calcium-Boron (Chelates) at 1.0–2.0 l/ha.

For orchards and berry plantations there is a solution for every stage:

• before and during flowering — Universal Rist (Amino) 1.0–1.5 l/ha;
• after flowering — a tank mix of ECOLINE Phosphite (K) 1.5–2.0 l/ha + GROS Zdorovya 1.0–1.5 l/ha: it restores growth quickly and raises immunity at the same time;
• fruit the size of a hazelnut — GROS Amino-Zn 1.0 l/ha;
• fruit formation — GROS Amino-Mg 1.0–1.5 l/ha;
• signs of stress before ripening — POLYACTIV Boost 1.5–2.0 l/ha.

Yes, ECOORGANIC anti-stress products are designed for tank mixes. GROS Zdorov'ya is positioned specifically as suitable for them, and GROS Amino-Zn is recommended to be applied together with fungicides. Combining with a crop protection treatment saves machinery passes and at the same time softens the stress caused by the treatment itself. Before preparing a large volume, do a trial mix in a small container. Mind the pH: GROS Silicon is alkaline (pH 9–12) and needs acidifying, while GROS Amino-Mg is acidic (pH 2–4).

The optimal air temperature is 12 to 24 °C, relative humidity above 60 %, and wind speed no more than 2–3 m/s: in stronger wind more than 20 % of the effect is lost. Spray in the morning once the dew has dried, or in the evening.

In the heat of the day the droplets dry quickly, the leaf takes up less of the fertilizer, and the plant is already under stress. Rain within 2 hours of treatment cuts its effect by 40–50 %, so watch the forecast. Amino acid anti-stressants are taken up quickly, so a short dry window is usually enough.

The effect of ECOORGANIC fertilizers is usually visible within 3–4 days: the plants regain turgor, colour and growth. How fast depends on the crop, the severity of the stress and the weather. According to trial results:

• GROS Amino-Zn under heat stress — from +8.0 to +16.4 %;
• GROS Zdorovya on potato — +12.3 %;
• ECOORGANIC foliar feeding in general — from 5 to 15 %, and in some cases 20 % and more.

Water is the basis of the mix's performance. It must be clean and soft (no more than 3.5–4 mmol), free of suspended matter, silt and foreign particles: silt precipitates the active ingredients and weakens the products.

• Temperature. At least 14–16 °C. Cold water from a borehole or pond sharply reduces solubility, and treatment efficiency drops by 30 % or more. Such water should be left to warm up for at least 12 hours.
• Reaction. Neutral or slightly acidic water is best.
• Hardness test. Dissolve a small amount of the pesticide and shake vigorously. Foam or sediment indicates a reaction to hardness — acidify such water with adjuvants or citric acid.

The main rule: dissolve each component separately as a stock solution and add it while stirring continuously. The order is set by the formulation type:

• water-soluble packs (WSP) — first, the film dissolves in about 2 minutes;
• water-soluble granules (SG);
• wettable powders (WP);
• water-dispersible granules (WDG);
• suspension concentrates (SC);
• emulsifiable concentrates (EC);
• soluble concentrates (SL);
• aqueous solutions;
• surfactants and adjuvants — last of all.

• Solid formulations (WP, WDG). In a separate 10–15 litre container pour 1/3 of the water, add the product, stir, top up with the remaining 2/3 and stir again. Fill the sprayer tank halfway with water, add the stock solution, stir and top up to full volume. Keep stirring during application as well.
• Liquid formulations (SC, EC, aqueous solutions). Into a washed tank half-filled with water add the measured product, stir thoroughly, top up to full volume and keep stirring while working.
• Seed treatments. Pour 1/3 of the water, add the treatment, stir for 3–5 minutes into a uniform suspension, top up to full volume and stir for another 3–5 minutes.

In complex tank mixes fertilizers are usually added at the very end, although adding them at the start or midway is also acceptable. No compatibility problems have been found between ECOORGANIC chelated fertilizers and plant protection products.

• Acidic micronutrients (pH < 6.5) — GROS Phosphito-NP, ECOLINE Phosphite (K). They reduce the need for water conditioners and may be added at the start: a rate of 1–2 l/ha lowers the overall pH of the solution by 0.5–1.5 units.
• Alkaline micronutrients (pH > 7.5) — ECOLINE Boron (Organic), ECOLINE Boron (Premium). At rates above 0.5 l/ha check the pH requirements of the pesticide, use an acidifier if needed (citric acid, ammonium sulphate), and add the boron last.
• If the pesticide requires a specific pH (for example 5.0) — add the micronutrients first, set the required pH with acidity regulators, and only then add the pesticide.
• Urea dissolves slowly and lowers pH by 0.2–0.5 units, so it is added at the beginning.

• Contact and systemic herbicides. The contact product rapidly burns the tissue and blocks uptake of the systemic one. Apply systemic products first, contact ones afterwards.
• Boron with oil-based products.
• Strongly acidic with strongly alkaline products in concentrated form.
• Iron, zinc, magnesium and manganese with calcium-containing products.
• Calcium fertilizers with products high in phosphorus and sulphur.
• Glyphosate with micronutrients. The chemical interaction reduces the efficiency of every component, so they are applied in separate passes.
• Several growth regulators together. At high concentrations they suppress the plant and the result becomes unpredictable.
• Fosetyl-aluminium with micronutrients — because of the acidic reaction of those products.
• Emulsions with hormonal herbicides or fertilizers. An emulsion washes off the waxy layer, and rapid uptake of fertilizer then burns the leaves.

Separately: tank mixes are not used when plants are weakened, frost-damaged or under drought stress.

• UAN with micronutrients. Dissolve the micronutrients in water first and only then add them to the UAN solution. To avoid leaf burn, spray after 15:00 and dilute the UAN with water at 1:3 or more. Do not apply UAN after rain or onto wet dew.
• Growth regulators. Because the doses are small, a stock solution is mandatory — prepared in glass or enamel containers on the day of use.

• Jar test. If no compatibility data is available, mix proportional rates of the products in a three-litre jar or measuring cylinder, invert it 10–15 times and check immediately and again after 30 minutes. Separation, foam, sediment or flakes mean incompatibility. A new mix should be trialled twice on small field plots.
• One-hour check. The stability of a complex mix is verified at least 1 hour before going into the field.
• Shelf life. Apply the prepared mix straight away: its components can break down within a few hours.
• Equipment. Do not use older sprayers with corroding copper parts. After work, drain the leftover solution at the designated place and wash every part of the equipment thoroughly.