Regulations around chemical crop protection are getting stricter. That’s good news for the environment and food safety — but it does bring new challenges for growers. Chemical pesticides can act fast and effectively against diseases, but due to these new rules, growers now have to look for alternative ways to prevent infections. A recent trial with carrots showed that root crops treated with our microbial biostimulant RootProtect had almost 80% fewer Pythium infections. It just goes to show how a healthy soil and the right microbes are key to growing resilient crops.
RootProtect is one of our biostimulants containing Trichoderma fungi, Bacillus subtilis, and Azotobacter. These micro-organisms establish themselves in the rhizosphere and improve nutrient availability. In doing so, they contribute to an environment in which pathogens are less likely to develop.
Trial results show improved vitality in root crops under stress conditions
Pythium is a fungus-like pathogen that causes root rot, which can hinder plant growth. We recently carried out a study on Pythium in root crops. For this trial, carrots were treated in different ways at two locations in the Netherlands—Deurne and Wanrooij:
- T1: Control – no biostimulants
- T2, T3, T4, T6, T7: Other biostimulants, applied at recommended rates
- T5: RootProtect – applied at 2 kg/ha during sowing
In root crops treated with RootProtect (T5, 2 kg/ha), the infection rate was 0% at the Deurne site and 10% at the Wanrooij site. In contrast, crops that were not treated with RootProtect (T1 to T4, T6, T7) showed infection rates of up to 47%. This represents a difference of 78%.
A healthy soil and the right micro-organisms: the foundation for more resilient crops!
A healthy, well-balanced soil is the foundation for strong, resilient crops. Beneficial micro-organisms that colonize the rhizosphere help create a healthy root environment, which in turn supports plant resilience. Pathogenic fungi and bacteria thrive in low-oxygen conditions and benefit from a disrupted natural microbial balance. Actively enriching the soil with beneficial micro-organisms contributes to a healthy soil ecosystem. Some of the most effective strains include:
- Bacillus species: These soil bacteria help break down organic matter and improve nutrient uptake.
- Trichoderma species: These fungi contribute to healthy root development and increased plant resilience.
- Mycorrhizal fungi: These fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, expanding the root surface area and improving the uptake of essential nutrients like phosphate.
- Azotobacter: These bacteria fix nitrogen from the air and make it available to the plant, improving soil fertility and supporting healthy plant growth.
Effective support with RootFit and RootFit+
In addition to RootProtect, our biostimulants RootFit and RootFit+ contain carefully selected blends of these beneficial microbes to support both soil and plant health.
- RootFit: Contains a mix of helpful rhizobacteria, fungi, and mycorrhiza that colonize the root zone, boost root development, and enhance nutrient uptake — resulting in stronger, healthier plants.
- RootFit+: Offers all the benefits of RootFit, plus it’s fully water-soluble and includes extra ectomycorrhiza, making it ideal for a wide range of growing systems.
Products like RootFit, RootFit+, and RootProtect help growers build healthier, more resilient soils.
Want to learn more about the trial or how these products can improve your crop performance?
Get in touch with us — we’re happy to help!
