Mushrooms, bacteria, skeletons of insects or crustaceans – at first glance, it is difficult to imagine the use of these things in agriculture, but it is they who claim to become relevant innovations and the basis of sustainable farming in the world. It has been proven in more than one scientific study that substances and microorganisms classified as biostimulants stimulate the natural formation of plant immunity by increasing their resistance to abiotic and biotic stress. So, at the end of the season, it all means one thing: a bigger and better harvest.
“Agriculture is now faced with climate change, growing global food demand due to an increasing human population, and at the same time has an aspiration to focus more on sustainability, to maintain a balance that suits both cultivated land and yield rates.” Therefore, in recent years, scientists and agricultural representatives are increasingly looking for innovative solutions and turning to nature itself. Scientists are paying more and more attention to biostimulants, more and more research is being carried out, which allows for the creation of even more useful and effective means of natural origin, the use of which in agriculture will undoubtedly only grow”, says Justina Zalieckaitė, an expert on trace element products of the agricultural company Scandagra.
The potential is impressive
Just like humans or animals, plants are affected by the environment: heat, cold, droughts and other factors weaken their immune system. When weakened, they are unable to “eat” properly and become less resistant to diseases and pests. Biostimulants can help here – substances or products that stimulate the immune system of plants, promote the absorption of substances and thus help them overcome abiotic (ie environmental) stress. It is believed that if we could manage at least 20 percent more effectively the stress experienced by plants due to adverse weather conditions, food production could be increased up to 50 percent.
Given the enormous potential, 2019 biostimulants as a separate category were included in the European Union regulation. It is estimated that in 2021 The global market for biostimulants amounted to about 2.6 billion. US dollars, and by 2026 it will grow more than twice, to 5.6 billion. US dollars.
From algae to bacteria
Biostimulants come in various forms and ingredients and are divided into four main categories (acids, extracts, microorganisms, other). Some of the active substances of biostimulants have been known to Lithuanian farmers for several decades, for example, humic, fulvic, amino acids and the like. However, there are quite a few that are much less heard of. The Scandagra expert presents the 5 most interesting biostimulant innovations that are already gaining popularity in the world.
Bacteria fixing atmospheric nitrogen. The main “building” material of plants is nitrogen. Scientists have identified certain types of bacteria that can absorb nitrogen from the environment and transfer it to the plant. Although this innovation is just starting its way, nitrogen-fixing bacteria are already being applied in countries with a warmer climate and have been tested in Poland and Germany. These bacteria are quite tenacious: they need to be sprayed only at certain times, and in order for them to colonize the leaves, favorable conditions are needed (these bacteria do not like frost very much). In addition, when looking for the best balance and compatibility with other used plant protection products and fertilizers, it is necessary to experiment and rely on specific tests and research. Nevertheless, it is an interesting innovation that will attract more and more attention from farmers around the world.
Chitozanas. It is an active substance with a stimulating effect, derived from chitin, which is found in the skeletons of insects such as rapeseed, or crustaceans and certain types of mushrooms. Chitin has been found to help insects protect themselves and avoid disease, making them virtually disease-free. After identifying the effect of this active substance, the world began to look for ways to transfer it to the field of agriculture. Various studies have shown that kadchitosan has an anti-disinfectant and antibacterial effect, which helps to protect against viruses, bacteria and fungi, as well as activates the plant’s defense genes and develops the immune system’s response. By the way, this active substance is used in the production of biofungicides.
Brassinosteroids.It is the youngest active ingredient in the category of acids. More than 40 years ago, brassinosteroids were purified from rapeseed pollen and classified as the 6th plant growth hormone. According to scientific data, this hormone has the greatest influence on all stages of plant growth and development, especially in adverse weather conditions. These hormones are found in almost all plants (90%), but brassinosteroids are particularly rich in brassinosteroids, such as rapeseed. Agricultural products containing brassinosteroids can already be found in Lithuania.
Mycorrhizal network. Scientists have been closely studying the symbiosis of plant roots with fungi in the soil for some time. This symbiosis is especially important for cultivated plants, but it is difficult to ensure it in agriculture. In order to restore the underground mushroom network, special products containing mushrooms help to do this. For example, plant seeds are coated with their spores, and when the first roots are released, they “seed” themselves and the mycelium network expands. Mycorrhizal promoting products may not be new in Lithuania, but they are not very popular, at least for now. However, the good experience of other countries can change this situation.
Seaweed. Algae growing in the North Atlantic Ocean, experiencing extreme conditions, have genetically adapted to adverse conditions over millions of years, so they accumulate very valuable substances that help them survive. Thus, after special treatment of algae, these substances can be transferred to various agricultural crops and thus help them overcome abiotic stress, improve the plant’s immune system and thus reduce its vulnerability. Algae is not new to agriculture, but it is currently undergoing a renaissance as improved processing technologies increase supply and yield results impact demand.
About Scandagr:
in 2006 The company that started its operations in Lithuania is a company created by two agricultural cooperatives with Scandinavian capital, Denmark’s DLG and Sweden’s SvenskaLantmannen. UAB “Scandagra” is one of the leading companies in the Lithuanian agricultural sector, since the beginning of its activity it has been engaged in the wholesale trade of fertilizers, seeds, plant protection products and the purchase of grain crops. “Scandagra” was the first in Lithuania to start exporting grain. Currently, the company is one of the largest organic production companies in the country, exporting grain to Germany, Austria, Holland and Belgium and expanding the sales geography every year. Currently, the company has more than 140 employees.
