Phosphorus is required in nearly all metabolic processes and frequently influences utilization of other nutrients. Phosphorus is an important element for plant compounds such as enzymes, nucleic acids and proteins, in the storage and transfer of energy, stimulating early growth, root formation, and seed production. It is a structural component of phosphoproteins, phospholipids and nucleic acids. Phosphorus plays a vital role in the life cycle of plants and is important in reproductive growth. Phosphorus has a regulatory role in the formation and translocation of sugars and starches.

Phosphorus has long been one of the most difficult nutrients to supply to plants. Even though soil may have either naturally available and/or added phosphorus, adequate reservoirs may not be readily available for optimum plant functions. However our soils contain usually high amounts of phosphor and potassium and with the high pH (alkalinity), this acts as a mineral blocker.Therefore, natural phosphorus levels are generally not sufficient to support the needs of plants without supplemental fertilization. 

Phosphorus is the "energizer" nutrient in plant production and health. Phosphorus supplementation increases during cool weather, limited root growth and fast top growth. Deficiency symptoms include: slow growth, inhibited root structure, stunted plants, purplish coloration on foliage of some plants, small leaf size, dark green coloration with tips of leaves dying, delayed maturity, and poor fruit or seed development.

Because of the many vital plant functions influenced by phosphorus, less than adequate supplies can result in problems related to plant health or other functions. These occurrences can be in the presence of obvious deficiency symptoms or, more commonly, without apparent symptoms. Plants afflicted with hidden hunger use water less efficiently, are susceptible to the suppression of growth, are less tolerant of cold temperatures and take longer to root and recover.

The recognized, traditional source of phosphorus, as H3PO4, has long been phosphoric acid, and forms a salt when neutralized with a base. The salt is referred to as phosphite, H3PO3, as opposed to phosphate H3PO4.

Once applied and rapidly absorbed, by the plant, Phosphites undergo an oxidation or conversion process resulting in the continual release of soluble phosphorus. This allows for the beneficially timed utilization of phosphorus, in preparation for critical times when demand by the plant may be especially high or uptake is otherwise impaired.

Potassium Phosphite application results have also shown several other novel characteristics, such as inhibition of mycorrhizal (root fungus) development, accelerating foliar uptake of other cations (cat-eye-ons) such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and most micro elements, when applied in combination, and by supplying more phosphorus per molecule than phosphate.

Because Phosphite has one less oxygen molecule than phosphate, a higher degree of solubility and mobility, within the plant is achieved. This unique characteristic permits phosphites to be rapidly absorbed or taken up across the membranes of plant foliage and/or roots, in both their nutritive and plant protective roles.

One method is to wall off the pathogen by killing off surrounding cells, somewhat like a fire line around a forest fire. Currently, potassium phosphites are being studied as "inducers", of disease resistance and control. But the plant responds further, releasing various chemical compounds that alert the rest of the plant to begin producing other compounds that increase plant resistance to infection or attack at other sites on the plant. These responses are called systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and induced resistance (IR). It is also well known that functional Potassium will provide a certain level of disease protection, in and of itself.

Injecting trees with "Vital" (PP) with the Chemjet Injectors Syringes uses the least amount of the fungicide/energizer, though a little labor intensive, it is more environmentally safer and more target friendly.

The treatment is entirely within the tree and the dosages are determined precisely by the size of the tree. The material does not have to penetrate the soil, the leaves or the bark to be come effective, it goes to work immediately. Since it uses far less target material, it is very cost effective.  

Fill each syringe with 20 mils of solution and should be inserted 4 to 5 inches apart around the trunk at waist high.  Small holes using a 4.2 mm. 11/64' drill bit are drilled at a 45 degree downward angle through the bark deep enough to penetrate into sap-wood and diluted "Vital " (PP) 15% solution is immediately injected. The small injection holes will heal naturally and within a short time after application. 

Wound closure:There are very good research studies on wound closure. Small, shallow holes should be enough to allow us to inject the needed amount of product into the tree and cause the least amount of damage. A tree in good general healthy condition, these very small shallow wounds ( 4.2 mm  or 11/64" drill portal ) created in the drilling process close very readily and will heal within weeks.  Oaks trees generally have a higher rate of wound closure.  

VITAL® is based on a phosphorus atom combined with three oxygen atoms PO3– this compound is called phosphite (or a phosphonate when derived in a plant).Phosphite is very plant active, because it is slightly unstable - phosphite tends to react and to do things.

VITAL® Increases the integrity of plant cell walls, which improves plant strength and resistance.

VITAL® Stimulates key pathways in the plant, which produce compounds (phytoalexins) that are responsible for defending the plant against environmental stress including pathogens.

VITAL® Enhances the efficiency of all plant nutrients.

Vital®, stimulates the tree's natural potent immune system and helps trees spring back to significant re-greening and vigorous growth very quickly. Reapply applications 1 time per year.

" The Chemjet" http://www.chemjet.com.au/