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Hudsonville, Michigan (michiganpumpkins@sbcglobal.net)

Could someone explain what BRIX level is? I've read posts about using foliar molasses applications to raise BRIX level to discourage cuke beetles. But what is BRIX level, and are there any negative affects to manipulating it?
Frank

5/5/2005 10:37:08 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

Take a llok through this...alot info on sucrose

http://www.crossroads.ws/brixbook/BBook.htm

5/5/2005 11:18:31 AM

Montoursville, PA

I know several guys including myself that know vaguely what Brix Level is. I know if you get it up around 10 that your pathegon attack may be overcome. The worst of course would be the milldews carried about by the cuke bettle. As far as I know a Brix Level of 10 does not discourage the cuke beetle. It prevents what they carry about the patch from taking hold.

It is true that the use of molasses does a lot of good things for you including raising Brix Level. Feeding and maintaining fat and sassy bacteria and fungi is also enhanced by the molasses. This too tends to enable the plants to ward off some insect damage from insects and pathegons. Using composts and manures helps too. It all works together to build a more healthy patch and consequently a stronger plant.

Leaf sample testing is the only way to know Brix Levels. I know no one who actually tests although someone may and we do not know about it.

If you want the nitty gritty give Brix to Google. Lots of reading there for your further interest.

5/5/2005 11:19:50 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Brix is basically the Sugar level in that sap that a plant contains. it also affects the health of the plant. I am trying to find the studies done by a few organic farmers relating to this. I know it creates a healthier less tastey plant with a higher electric conductivity than untreated. I believe it also increases the plants immune system. Plus it also allows the predators of cuke beetles to live and balance out the system. We have used molasses as a foliar, this being the 4th year now and see very little cucumber beetles.

5/5/2005 11:21:39 AM

Sheridan . NY

IVE been doing brixs sugars for 20 year yep it real sugar--it measured on a sugar scope-- has a eye piece and works buy looking at the scale inside once you put a drop of plant sap on - plants have sugars---sugars can be changed in a matter of hours by foliar feed that why the AGRO-K PROGRAM WORKS so well---but a scope starts at about $100.00 and up--craig

5/5/2005 1:23:09 PM

Sheridan . NY

oh---bug--diease dont like high sugars--all above info is true---craig

5/5/2005 1:25:37 PM

Somers, CT

I have read here that 4 oz /gal is a good spray rate for molasses? I was going to dilute with hot water and put it through my dial sprayer. Does this sound fair, Craig? Thanks, Rob

5/5/2005 3:29:25 PM