Tag Archive for: biostimulant

H2Pro TriSmart registered as ‘non-microbial biostimulant’

H2Pro TriSmart registered as ‘non-microbial biostimulant’: ICL Growing Solutions is proud to present that H2Pro TriSmart, our premium wetting agent, is also registered as a non-microbial biostimulant under the latest EU Fertilizing Product Regulation (FPR) (1009/2019).

In extensive trials and research H2Pro TriSmart has proven to significantly improve quality traits of turfgrass under drought stress conditions. The registration follows the H2Pro trials executed by the independent Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) in Bingley, United Kingdom, which demonstrated how H2Pro TriSmart improves both soil and plant quality traits. With these improvements, it is for the first time that a product is classified as both a ‘wetting agent’ and ‘non-microbial plant biostimulant’.

H2Pro TriSmart registered as ‘non-microbial biostimulant’

H2Pro TriSmart registered as ‘non-microbial biostimulant’

“Years of research and field trials have proven that the product performs exceptionally well” confirms Dr Andy Owen, ICL International Technical Manager Turf and Landscape.

“We have many years of data gathered from field trial work across the globe and university research showing how H2Pro TriSmart significantly reduces dry patch and soil hydrophobicity, maintaining turf quality and providing efficient water use. But we also wanted to focus on the benefits for turfgrass under the new fertilizer legislation”.

He continues “this comprehensive trial work allows ICL to clearly describe the benefits for the turfgrass surface that end-users can expect from selecting H2Pro TriSmart, although we are fully aware that the plant benefits come from the product’s unique ability to improve the moisture status in drought affected soils and rootzones

Independent field trials

Four independent field trials, each with an 8 times treatment replication at the Sports Turf Research Institute, Bingley UK (STRI), demonstrated that a H2Pro TriSmart program can significantly improve quality traits of turfgrass under drought stress conditions.

Improvements of turf quality, turf color, turf uniformity, turf density and NDVI were measured for TriSmart treated plots in comparison with control (untreated plots) as well as significantly greater volumetric moisture content percentage (VMC %). The robust field data allows for the new product designation under the latest regulations.

Advantages for turf managers

The use of a surfactant-based wetting agents in a programed approach is a well-established practice for turf managers wanting the best from their turf surfaces.

Implementing H2Pro wetting agents in a turf management strategy improves 1) drought resilience of turfgrass, 2) water-use efficiency, 3) water uptake by grass plants, and 4) overall turf quality traits. H2Pro TriSmart is part of a range of ICL’s high-performance wetting agents specifically developed for turfgrass. We offer both residual and penetrant products that are suitable for all conditions and are always backed by research and user testimonials.

Turf managers that use H2Pro TriSmart in their turf management programs can be assured that the product, including the quality and high performance, has not changed. The new FPR 1009/2019 compliant label identifies the changed registration status of the product.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Valagro’s biostimulant TALETE scoops award

Valagro’s biostimulant TALETE scoops award: Valagro, a leading company in the development, production and marketing of biostimulants and specialty nutrients for crops, has been recognized at the 2021 Crop Science Awards for the innovative biostimulant TALETE, which has been awarded Best New Biological Product (Biostimulant).

In its history, which is more than 10 years long, this prestigious annual event (previously known as Agrow Awards) has honoured the most successful scientific, technological, and leadership initiatives in the field of innovative crop protection inputs and digital agriculture industries from all over the world.

Valagro’s biostimulant TALETE scoops award

Valagro’s biostimulant TALETE scoops award

TALETE, developed by means of our proprietary GeaPower® technology, helps crops enhance Crop Water Productivity, the economical or biophysical gain for each unit of water used in crop production. Composed of biomolecules of plant origin, TALETE acts directly on plant physiology, promoting sustainable production in both conditions of adequate water availability and of permanent or temporary water scarcity.

Giuseppe Natale, CEO of Valagro:

We learn with great pleasure about the prestigious Crop Science Award received by TALETE, as it testifies to and celebrates Valagro’s work in creating a sustainable future for people and nature – efforts that we now share with Syngenta as one team. TALETE is our answer to the needs of the farmers who struggle with water scarcity and of those who keep an eye on optimal management of agricultural inputs: we created it not only by putting innovation at the service of the environment, but also with a view on social and economic needs of the farmers. We are now happy and proud to see that the results of our mindset have been recognized as an excellence in the biologicals sector and we believe this achievement reinforces our will to pursue this ambitious goal.

Corey Huck, Head Global Biologicals, Syngenta:

“Syngenta and Valagro invest into biological research to meet the needs of farmers, connecting science with nature. We are delighted that our efforts have been recognized by the industry. The Crop Science Award reinforces TALETE’s tangible contribution to growers who experience difficulty in accessing water or in managing it optimally, thus contributing to a sustainable future for people and nature. Congratulations to the Valagro team for this well-deserved honor.

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Hicure biostimulant to build energy and protect turf

Hicure biostimulant to build energy and protect turf: The first turf biostimulant from Syngenta heralds the potential for a step change in stress management, along with performance enhancement for existing and future turf management programmes.

New Hicure has been developed to deliver the key protein-building amino acids crucial to build and protect plants from stress effects, along with recovery of playing surface quality faster and more effectively.

Hicure biostimulant to build energy and protect turf

Hicure biostimulant to build energy and protect turf

More than six years of science research and investigative trials has developed the unique formulation of 18 amino acids in Hicure, along with an instantly available energy source for turf to make most effective use.

Syngenta Technical Manager, Glenn Kirby, highlighted amino acids are the building blocks for proteins that make up all plant structures – each with a different construction. “New research into the molecular activity of plant cells has sought to identify which amino acids are required for key functions.

“That’s given a valuable insight into which amino acids can be effectively supplemented to better prepare plants for stressful periods.

“Whilst turf plants can produce their own amino acids during good growing conditions, where they need to adapt to stressful periods it can lead to an imbalance in the availability of the necessary amino acids.

“Hicure can provide a readily accessible source of the important amino acids to give greater tolerance to stress and see turf through,” he added.

Furthermore, Glenn pointed out that the repurposing of amino acids within the plant during stress periods requires large amounts of energy – which can be particularly challenging where turf is under stress and with reduced photosynthetic capability. “Hicure has been formulated with an instantly available energy source, in the form of specific amiono acids. Supplementing energy enables the plant to make better use of resources for faster recovery.

“Together, Hicure is a perfect balance of amino acids and energy to help plants strengthen cell walls and protect against stress.”

Trials results in the UK and across Europe have shown improved tolerance to a wide range of stresses. Under summer heat conditions, for example, fortnightly applications of Hicure had halved the incidence of leaf damage, compared to untreated.

Improvements in turf quality, coverage and consistency had also been seen in Hicure trials against a wider range of stresses and even herbicide treatments.

“With the incidence of environmental stresses becoming more frequent and more severe in nature with climate change the role of Hicure is expected to become even greater in future turf management programmes,” Glenn advised.

Optimum results have been seen with fortnightly applications of Hicure at a rate of 10 l/ha, or monthly 20l/ha during spring and summer periods. That can typically be incorporated into foliar nutrition and Primo Maxx PGR timings for ease of application, he advocated.

In late summer and autumn rates can be reduced to 5l/ha every two weeks or 10l/ha per month.  This helps deliver stronger and stress free turf going into the winter period.  Stronger more healthy turf is better able to tolerant disease attack and also recovers more quickly.

Daniel Lightfoot, Syngenta Turf Business Manager, emphasised that R&D had clearly shown that not all biostimulants work as effectively as others, or offer the significant benefits that could be achieved. “We continue to exhaustively test a large number of biostimulant products, and have only selected a small number that have shown the potential to offer effective results.

“Understanding the science of how the product works is essential to advise where it can fit into an agronomic programme,” he advocated. “Turf managers can be confident that any biostimulant from Syngenta has been thoroughly researched and will deliver the benefits they are looking for.”

The focus of Syngenta research is increasingly on enhancing overall plant health, together with the integration of agronomic practices and digital support tools, alongside the intervention of plant protection products where required.

The company’s recent acquisition of Valagro, one of the world’s leading biostimulant and biopesticide businesses, signals a commitment to creating a whole programme approach to plant health.

“As we develop and bring to market innovative fungicides over the coming years, we have the research to understand and recommend how they can be best used in conjunction with Hicure and other inputs to get the best results.”

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