Making a similar protector to Wilt-Pruf for frost using beta-pinene and vegetable oils can be an interesting home experiment! Here is a step-by-step procedure:
Ingredients:
• Beta-pinene (400 ml). Bought as mentioned in a free market.
• Olive or coconut oil (600 ml). Vegetable oils will provide softness and waterproof properties.
• Emulsifier (10 ml). Needed to emulsify the oil and pinene, such as liquid soap, caprylic and capric triglycerides (Miglyol) or polysorbate 80.
• Mixer (hand whisk, magnetic stirrer).
Procedure:
Heat the oil mixture (olive or coconut) and emulsifier at 50-60oC with stirring until a homogeneous emulsion is obtained. This would be the oily component.
Heat beta-pinene to 30-40oC to soften it and facilitate its emulsion. If it is not heated well, it will be difficult to emulsify with the oil.
Pour the hot oily component over hot pinene and beat strongly with a hand whisk or magnetic stirrer until an oily and milky emulsion is obtained.
Continue stirring as it cools to ensure a homogeneous emulsion. It must form a stable emulsion, not separate into layers.
Allow the emulsion to cool completely. It should have a thick and creamy consistency. If it is too fluid, add more pinene.
Store the emulsion in an airtight container. It will be the frost protector, ready to apply to fruit trees before frosts.
The formed emulsion will protect plants from cold by forming a protective film. Pinene will help repel water and form a thermal barrier. Oils will provide hydrophobic and waterproof properties.