Smarter Sunburn Control with Zeme: Beyond White Films and Surface Fixes

Sunburn isn’t just a cosmetic issue for citrus growers—it’s a profit killer.

Each season, thousands of tons of high-value fruit are downgraded due to peel browning, cracking, and necrosis caused by intense solar radiation and heat stress. As global temperatures climb and heatwaves become more frequent, sunburn damage is increasingly severe and unpredictable.

For many years, growers have turned to surface protection strategies like kaolin clay sprays. While these can reduce sunburn incidence, they come with significant limitations—most notably, residue on the fruit and a reduction in photosynthesis, which can negatively affect fruit size, sugar content, and overall yield.

How Silicon Can Help

Silicon (Si) is one of the most promising tools in plant stress management. When absorbed by the plant, silicon is deposited in the epidermal layers, where it forms a protective barrier that reduces fruit surface temperature and enhances peel strength. It also supports water retention and improves the plant’s antioxidant defences, helping citrus trees tolerate extreme heat.

But there’s a catch.

Most conventional silicon fertilizers (like potassium silicate or calcium silicate) do not effectively deliver silicon to fruit tissues, especially in citrus, which is a low-Si accumulator. Much of the silicon remains locked in the roots or soil, offering little protective benefit where it’s needed most—in the fruit peel.

Zeme: Silicon That Works Where It Matters

Zeme, powered by Levity’s Si-X technology, is designed to solve the silicon delivery problem. It enhances both uptake and mobility, allowing silicon to reach the fruit peel—where sunburn damage occurs.

Zeme doesn’t just reduce visible sunburn. It:

• Strengthens peel structure
• Maintains photosynthetic efficiency (unlike kaolin)
• Supports fruit growth, sugar accumulation, and ripening
• Leaves no residue, making it ideal for fresh and export markets

South African Trial Results Speak Volumes

In recent 2025 trials conducted in South Africa, Zeme-treated citrus showed:

• Double the fruit growth rate (2 mm/week vs 1 mm in untreated)
• +4% higher Brix-to-acid ratio
• +0.45 kg yield per 100 fruits
• Earlier, more uniform colouring
• 62% reduction in sunburn incidence (from 8% down to just 3%)

Visual assessments confirmed: “Much smoother, cleaner fruit with consistent size and colour.”

Growers also noted no negative impact on photosynthesis—in fact, fruit quality and internal sugars were improved due to lower oxidative stress and better water regulation.

Zeme vs Kaolin: Why it wins

The Bottom Line

Zeme doesn’t just prevent damage—it helps your trees thrive under stress. By replacing or complementing traditional sunburn strategies, it offers a modern, effective, and clean alternative for high-value citrus production.

🔗 Learn more about Zeme and our ongoing research at https://levitycropscience.com/zeme

Let’s grow stronger fruit, together.