Tidal Grow® Spectra™

A: Tidal Grow® Spectra™ is a chitosan-based liquid fungicide, bactericide and nematicide for broadacre crops. It has direct activity against harmful pests and pathogens, including nematodes, helping protect crops as pest pressure builds. It also triggers the plant’s own defense responses and supports strong plant vigor, which helps with pest and disease suppression. Spectra is registered as a 25(b) minimum-risk biopesticide in the United States.

A: Spectra is precisely formulated for broadacre crops like corn, soybeans, cotton and wheat. If you are looking for a chitosan-based crop protection for specialty crops, Tidal Grow® Fortyra™ is the product for those operations.

A: The active ingredient in Spectra is chitosan. You can see the full label here.

A: Spectra works in three ways at once:
1.) Direct pathogen activity. Chitosan interacts directly with microbial cell surfaces and membranes. This disrupts normal cell function and inhibits pathogen growth.
2.) Plant defense activation. Chitosan acts as an elicitor. It triggers the plant signaling pathways involved in recognizing and responding to pathogen attack, often called the elicitor effect.
3.) Stress response support. Chitosan can enhance the antioxidant and stress-response systems that help plants manage oxidative and environmental stress.

Because it works on both to combat pests and pathogens and to support plant health, Spectra complements the conventional crop protection solutions already in your program.

A: Chitosan’s activity is selective. In susceptible pathogens, it can interact with cell surfaces and membranes and disrupt germination, growth and reproduction, which lowers pathogen pressure.

Microbial response varies by species, strain and cell-surface properties. Damaging microbes tend to be more sensitive to chitosan, while beneficial microbes are less sensitive. Those tolerant, beneficial microbes can stay active, which supports an active rhizosphere.

A: Spectra is built to work alongside your current program, not replace it. It works with other fungicides and pesticides to minimize disease presence and get the most from your crop protection program. Where it fits depends on the timing:

• At planting: a partner to your nematode or starter program.
• In season: a partner to your herbicide and/or fungicide passes.
• At disease timings: a partner to your fungicide program.

Before mixing Spectra with other products, check with your retailer and run a jar test.

A: Spectra has a 0-day restricted-entry interval (REI) and a 0-day pre-harvest interval (PHI). Always read and follow label directions.

A: When used as directed, Spectra is safe for crops and applicators, and only minimal additional PPE is required. Chitosan, the active ingredient in Spectra, was designated Safer Choice by the EPA in 2024. Always follow the PPE requirements on the product label.

A: Spectra leaves no hidden residuals, and results are realized within 21 to 28 days post application.

A: Spectra comes in 265-gallon totes and 2.5-gallon jugs. Contact your local ag retailer to order.

A: Spectra targets the disease, nematode and stress pressures that limit broadacre crops:

• Broadacre crops: recovery from drought stress.
• Soybeans: soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) and root-knot nematodes.
• Corn: root-knot nematodes, tar spot and rusts.
• Cotton: reniform nematodes

A: Please see the Spectra product label for rates by crop, method, timing and target pest or pathogen.

A: Timing depends on what you're managing:

• Plant defense support: make 1-2 applications in season, alongside your herbicide or fungicide passes.
• Nematodes: apply in-furrow at planting.
• Tar spot and rust in corn: apply between V6 and VT.

A: Spectra is recommended at 8-12 fl oz/A for crop recovery from drought. Chitosan can enhance the antioxidant and stress-response systems that help plants manage oxidative and environmental stress.