What are Phosphites? A simple definition: A Phosphite (H3PO3) is a Phosphate (H3PO4) with one less oxygen (O) molecule.
That missing oxygen molecule makes Phosphites vastly different from Phosphates.
Phosphate is the phosphorous (P) in NPK fertilizers.
Phosphite is more soluble than Phosphate. This makes foliar and root uptake more efficient. It slowly converts to phosphorus following an application to roots or foliage and also offers additional unique benefits:
1. Works as a biodegradable fungicide to help protect plants from Phytophthora and armillaria root rot.
2. Can be applied as a direct application to open wounds or bleeding cankers on trees to help speed healing.
3. As a soil application, it enhances plant resistance to stresses induced by drought, water logging, disease, and insect infestations.
4. Reacts with soil bacteria to produce mycorrhizae which aids in root nutrient and water uptake.
5. Acts as a foliar applied fungicide to combat fungi like powdery mildew and downy mildew.
Phosphites are marketed as fungicides and/or plant nutrients.
Doggett’s Super-Phite is a concentrated Potassium Phosphite (0-0-29) nutrient solution. It is a true Phosphite that can be applied as a soil injection or foliar spray to address any, or all, of the benefits discussed in this article. You can find product information here.