Tag: Plant Health

Carnations in Vietnam – 14,000 USD/Acre Profit Increase

A carnation flower farmer in Vietnam recognized the following benefits after using SumaGrow:

  1. Fewer plants died from root diseases, thus reducing replanting costs.
  2. Flowers have more vibrant colors and last longer after cutting, about 10 days compared to the normal 5 days.
  3. The stems are stronger, preventing the common drooping problem.
  4. Yield increased over 40%.

Carnations in Vietnam – 40% Yield Increase.jpg

A square meter of carnations produced around 180 flowers over its normal 18 month life. The average selling price at the farm is 1000VND. With an exchange rate of 20,800 VND to 1 USD (at the time) and 4000 square meter in an acre, a 40% yield increase works out to be: 13,846 USD. So the monetary value of the yield increase to the farmer is roughly 14,000 USD/acre over the 18-month life of the crop.

Central Sicily (Italy)– Bell Peppers

In August, bell pepper farmer Carmelo Piazza began a plot test in plastic tunnels with Solum Naturale SumaGrow inside. Farmers in Central Sicily are hampered in the hot, dry area by having to grow crops in sandy soil which are heavily infested with parasitic nematodes.

Carmelo soaked the seedlings in a Solum Naturale SumaGrow inside solution before planting. The control crop was fertilized and planted in the traditional manner. Towards the end of November, Carmelo observed that the control plants had yellowish top leaves, indicating the start of a nematode infestation; however, the test plots were visibly greener and healthier with no discoloration. Solum Naturale is designed to boost the natural defenses of the plants by increasing the health of the soil with a synergistic consortium of native microbes of the rhizosphere. Healthy soil contains all kinds of interdependent organisms that release mineral nutrients and water.

In January, Sicily had a rare snowstorm accompanied with freezing temperatures. As a result, all the plants were very stressed. In fact, all control plants died and had to be removed. The test plants treated with Solum Naturale SumaGrow inside, though stressed, survived and were still very healthy and yielding delicious, good-sized bell peppers.Central Sicily (Italy)– Bell Peppers pic 1

Central Sicily (Italy)– Bell Peppers pic 2

 

Control Plants

 

 

 

 

 

Test Plot Plants

 

 

 

Central Sicily (Italy)– Bell Peppers pic 3The severe weather created a large bell pepper shortage. Prices greatly increased and Carmelo was able to recoup some of his losses. According to Carmelo “We were the only growers in the area able to bring bell peppers to market.”

Greece – Alfalfa, Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants

The plants were in poor condition before the development period began, as seen to the right.Greece – Alfalfa, Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants pic 1.png

 

Throughout the study conducted by Ergoefarmogi, the plants went from lifeless to thriving (seen below), and this was achieved without the use of fertilizer.

greece-e28093-alfalfa-tomatoes-peppers-and-eggplants-pic-2.png

Over 60 days, faster and greater development and also intense flowering were observed. There was an increase in size and quality of the crops and an increased productivity from 30 to 80% per crop. An absence of fungus and other microorganism as well as various insects was observed. The plants were completely healthy throughout the duration of the development period. They were more alive, had vivid colors, and had visible difference in the size compared to those plants that had used conventional fertilizer. Their growth was also faster with better quality regarding their look and their taste. After the pruning during the productive seasons, they obtained branches and flowers and the production increases dramatically, and the fruit quality was evident in the excellent taste.

Greece – Alfalfa, Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants pic 3

With the alfalfa crop, at least 40-60% faster and greater growth was observed. Also greater productivity was shown by the intense dark green color, deeper roots system, denser and larger size of the plant.

Vietnam Government/Farmer Co-op Perform Trial on Broccoli: 37.5% Yield Increase While Reducing Fertilizer 50%

With the advice and assistance of the National Fertilizer Testing Center and the Dat Viet Xanh Farmers’ Association, in collaboration with Gia Lam District, fertilizer trials were performed with EarthCare with SumaGrow Inside broccoli at Yen Vien Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi.

Vietnam Broccoli Trial rows

The plant height increased, fewer pests were noticed, soil organic matter increased 67.5%, and, of course, the yield increased 37.5% while the chemical fertilizer was reduced by 50%, which resulted in a net increase in profit of over $431/hectare (May 8, 2018 exchange rate).

38-percent-Yield-Increase-with-Earthcare-with-Sumagrow-inside-formula-for-Asian-Vegetable

The use of  EarthCare with SumaGrow inside reduced the urea nitrate residue in the broccoli.  This is an important criteria for evaluating the product as safe or not before being used.

This trial was supervised by Dr. Ngo Thi Dao, Former Head, Department of Soils University of Pedagogy in Hanoi, who is also the author of two books on agriculture.

The report also contains detailed soil analysis reports.

The original report is in Vietnamese, which was translated into English:  Vietnam Report in English — Broccoli

Vietnam Flower Trial: Roses with Longer Stems and Bigger Buds

This trial was conducted on one year old “lotus variety” roses and the SumaGreen (SumaGrow) treated plants grew longer plant flowering stems and had bigger buds — 11.5% larger in 90 days.

Anecdotally, it was noted that there was “more color” and the color was “bolder.”

The difference was not as large on the three year “velvet” rose bushes, likely because the trial only lasted 90 days.

Vietnam Rose Trial:  Báo cáo kh-o nghi-m SM hoa h-ng

English Translation:  Roses Translated Báo cáo kh-o nghi-m SM hoa h-ng

Tea Field Results from China

The report (link below) was written by a government agency with assistance from Nanjing Forestry University.  The report did not specify an exact increase in yield, however, it stated, “all parameters related to plant growth vigor increased by more than 25% as compared with those of untreated tea trees” and SumaGrow “produces positive effect on the soil.”

The height, width, number of buds and size of buds all increased by at least 25%, leading us to conclude that the average yield increase was over 80% (see link to report below).

China Tea Leaves

The tea leaves (right) appeared shiny after treatment with SumaGrow.

Click here for the full report with additional pictures:

China Tea Report0001

SumaGrow Peer Reviewed Journal Article

This article was written by Dr. Lalithakumari Janarthanam who served for six years as our Director of Research & Development (now retired).  In the U.S., we are not allowed to make any biopesticidal claims, so the article title and abstract are copied here with a link to the article below, without comment:

Bioprotectant with multifunctional microorganisms: A new dimension in plant protection

ABSTRACT In the present investigations it is proved that the inoculation of multifunctional microbial formulation to the soil improves soil quality, soil health, plant health, growth, yield, and quality of a broad spectrum of crops reducing chemical fertilizer and pesticide input. These microbial populations consist of selected species including plant growth promoting rhizo-bacteria, N2-fixing bacteria, Phosphate solubilizers, phytohormone producers, plant disease suppressive bacteria and fungi. To make it very simple a different dimension as „Bio Protectant” is given in this presentation to the collective synergistic effects of beneficial microbes stimulating soil, plant and environmental health reducing chemical fertilizer and pesticide application. A healthy plant does not require unwanted, poisonous chemical pesticides. Review of literature is focused in multiple ways on the growth promoting ability along with the biological activity of beneficial microorganisms. The present SumaGrow-F2 formulation contains multi-functional Rhizobium species, Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus, and Trichoderma spp. The recorded novel benefits of SumaGrow-F2 formulation in the Green House and Field are discussed here as microbes increasing plant health, soil health, and root health of a broad spectrum of crops. Not only can it eliminate almost all insect infestations and reduce fungal or bacterial infection, it also creates a healthier environment for plant growth. The result is healthy crops with a corresponding increase in the yield of fruits or vegetables or grains. Modern trend is to look for inspiring intelligent multi-functional microbial Plant protectant or bio protectant for sustainable agriculture.

Here is the article:

Bioprotectant with multifunctional microorganisms – A new dimension in plant protection JBiopest

Mississippi Muscadine Grapes Grow Better With SumaGrow

The following pictures were taken at Breckenridge Farms in Quitman, Mississippi.   You can see a noticeable difference in the development of the vines.  Where SumaGrow was used the vines of adjoining plants are full and meeting in the middle on the trellis.  The untreated vines lack fullness and are not even close to meeting in the middle.

Muscadine Grapes without SG Quitman MS Muscadine Grapes with SG Quitman MS

Last summer the treated vines produced over 4 tons per acre and untreated was only close to one ton per acre!

These grapes are juiced at a winery in North Carolina.  In the southeast U.S.,  they are mainly eaten fresh and used to make jelly and home-made wine.

“The effect of SumaGrow on young varieties of muscadines has been proven to be significantly noticeable.  After using once on half of a selected field of young plants we had a increase in growth of up to 50% per plant.  SumaGrow has become part of our program to grow young plants faster. It not only enhances growth but also seems to improve the overall health of the plants.”
Elliott Phillips

This vineyard was written up in the news:  Breckenridge Vineyard News Article

Here is a link to one page summary:  Muscadines_Breckenridge_Mississippi_Testimonial

Organic Cucumbers in Italy Fertigation Grown Produce Much Healthier Plants

Solum Naturale, SumaGrow inside, test in Organic Agriculture. Cucumber test plot on tunnel with Fertigate system. Soil and foliar applications with excellent results in increased Brix level, more resistance to extreme temperature, larger and tastier fruits.

“Following the second application, done by foliar on the cucumbers, I noticed that the leaves were faded green, partially wilted on the control plot, and the fruits were still too small to be picked.  The plants treated with Solum Naturale (SumaGrow), looked very healthy with green leaves and each plant had three or more good sized cucumbers ready to be picked, this led to me to decide to apply the product in all my fields.”

Dr. Barbara Calgari, Agronomist, Azienda Agricola Calegari – Bagnarola di Budrio (BO) – Italy

South Africa Organic Citrus Grower Improves Tree Survival Rate

A South African organic citrus farmer improved his tree survival rate to almost 100% (up from 50%) after applying ExploGrow (SumaGrow), three years after replanting new organic citrus trees into “very old citrus soil”.

Due to organic growing restrictions on the use of chemical poisons/fertilizers, this farmer’s previous optimal survival rate was around 50%.  The citrus trees from the block treated with ExploGrow™ (SumaGrow) are also carrying many more lemons versus the control.

Organic-Citrus-Trees-South Africa Lemon

Photos above: 3 years after replanting Citrus trees, taken 10 days apart with slightly different lighting. Along with the improved survival rate, there is also a remarkable difference visible with naked eye. The farmer (based in the Sunday’s River Valley) invited us to bring any serious Citrus farmer to “come and see for themselves”.

South Africa Lemon tree comparison

“The [ExploGrow (SumaGrow) treated] trees are growing aggressively, much faster than the control.” 🙂

Full Organic Citrus Farmer​

Below are pictures of seven month old orange tree seedlings treated with ExploGrow™  (SumaGrow).  The photos were taken nine weeks after the first application of ExploGrow™ (SumaGrow).

South Africa 7 week old orange seedlings

Stem diameter +22%:  ExploGrow™ (SumaGrow) treated 4.5mm, Untreated 3.7mm (9 weeks after the 1st application)

Increased root mass: over 100%  ExploGrow™ (SumaGrow) treated > 2,000mg; Untreated < 0,999mg

Improved growth rate: 19% Matured for replanting: ExploGrow™ (SumaGrow) treated: 19/100; Untreated: 16/100