Frequently Asked Questions

How does Parka allow transpiration when it coats the leaves and gets into the stomata?
The cellulose in Parka makes the oil layer permeable to allow gas exchange to occur.
Since Parka is a wax, is it an anti-transpirant?
Parka is composed of a blend of proprietary lipids in a cellulose matrix, not a wax, to allow continued transpiration and gas exchange.
If Parka can promote plant health and cause the plant to increase growth, will my plant growth regulators (PGR) like Apogee experience reduced effectiveness?
Plant health benefits will not negate the effect of a plant growth regulator, rather the performance of the PGR improves with better plant health.
Why is it recommended to start Parka applications so early in the season compared to other sunburn protectants?
Protective cuticular layers are formed during the early stages of fruit development when fruit is most vulnerable. Best results are obtained by supplementing the cuticle early, thus setting the fruit up for success when environmental stress occurs.
Why do I need to apply Parka multiple times during the season? Does it wash off?
For best results, multiple applications of Parka are recommended due to fruit growth and environmental effects that cause the coating to thin and reduce the efficacy.
How quickly does Parka wash off?
Parka is hydrophobic and resists wash off, but like any material it can wash off with enough precipitation. It is recommended to re-apply Parka after any rain event near or
exceeding 0.25 inches.
How does Parka protect against sunburn if it doesn’t reflect any light?
The plant health effects of Parka provide the plant with the tools needed to utilize excess light energy for photosynthesis rather than developing tissue necrosis associated with sunburn. When temperatures are extreme, a reflective coating may be necessary.
How soon can I go back into my orchard after I have treated it with Parka?
Parka is exempt from tolerance and has no re-entry interval. Applications per season are not limited and can be applied up until the day of harvest.
Can Parka be tank mixed?
Parka is compatible with most other crop protection products, provided that applications coincide with conditions on each label. Avoid adding surfactants, oils and products that are not compatible with oils to the tank mix. Parka should be the last product added to the tank. It is recommended to consult with your PCA and conduct a jar test with any new crop protection product mixes.
Can Parka cause a fungicide or pesticide to go over MRLs?
Washington State Tree Fruit Research Commission has conducted many years of research on this subject. While some years did not produce elevated MRLs, applying materials in combination with Parka inside of 21 days to harvest did trend higher MRL’s. When applying Parka inside of 21 days to harvest, it is recommended to apply Parka alone and come back with any insecticides or fungicides over the top.
Can you spray Parka at 200 gallons per acre (GPA)?
Yes
Can Parka be applied on top of CaCO₃ or clay material? Does Parka trap the material and make it harder to wash off the fruit?
Yes, testing has shown that Parka can be applied over the top of CaCO₃ without negatively impacting the wash off of the coating at packing. But, to get the most out of Parka’s marketable yield improvements in fruit finish and quality, we recommend that Parka be applied early in the program, with mineral coatings applied later before the most extreme heat events.
If I have overhead cooling, how is Parka going to help me?
Parka is better able to withstand wash off when compared to mineral based coatings. The hydrophobic nature of Parka can repel water from the fruit surface and protect against damage water pooling can cause in the stem bow or at the distal end.
Can Parka help young trees have better growth and developed canopy?
Young trees are especially vulnerable to environmental stress until their root systems are fully established. By supplementing and stabilizing the cuticle of the foliage, Parka makes the plant more tolerant of heat and moisture stress by increasing the plant’s antioxidant capacity. This reduction in plant stress also improves photosynthetic activity. All of this leads to more seasonal growth in young trees.