We’ve waited two weeks since planting to detect foundational differences in root growth in our test tube corn. Now we’re seeing how seeds given an in-furrow squirt of beneficial microbes, plus a biostimulant, plus WakeUP Spring, are growing hundreds of root hairs laterally from multiple, deep taproots. Corn in both tubes was treated with microbial mixes April 11, 2018

Our “test tube” trials — germinating corn with an array of in-furrow products — is sending a fairly consistent “signal” indicated by vigor of seedling growth. Inoculating with a mycorrhiza blend apparently helps energize sprouting corn to accelerate leaf development. We haven’t measured roots yet. April 9, 2018 — It would take many replicated trials, using your own soils, to “conclude”

That quote came from one of our WakeUP clients — one who usually gets everything done on time on 1,300 acres and yet has plenty of time to try a few new ideas every Spring. He plants corn by soil temperatures, realizing how critical uniform emergence is for uniformly high yields across the field.  April

This is a first of many observations we’ll make of emergence and rooting tests with corn and soybeans, checking the potential usefulness of “test tube” germination and root growth. Purpose: Screen combinations of in-furrow biologicals, biostimulants, nutrients and WakeUP Spring. April 3, 2018 — You can see the array of initial soil-filled “terrarium” tubes in our initial report

Our researearch agronomist friend Jim Porterfield just sent us a heads-up. An experienced online food marketer, Healthy Traditions, has checked out products to determine which have glyphosate content.  This is a “first” as far as we know among food sellers. Several offer non-GMO products or organic products, but that’s not an assurance that foods are totally glyphosate-free.

Most seed treatments or in-furrow blends should express earlier, more vigorous root growth immediately after germination. These big, clear “test tubes” can give you an early glimpse of how roots respond to your anticipated treatment. You can compare several rates and combinations of products for a “screening” and then focus on the mixes that look most synergistic

In the 2017 season, AgriEnergy Resources of Princeton, IL arranged for a field trials of the biological SP-1 conducted by one of America’s most experienced vegetable scientists, Dr. Michael Orzolek. Positive yield benefits included an 8-bu. yield gain on corn and a 50% increase in marketable yield of tomatoes. March 26, 2018 — Dr. Orzolek presented the

We’ve been involved with several seasons of field-testing variations of the Lignition biostimulant which is being refined by Dave Sutherland of Ontario, Canada. His latest version for seed treatment, labeled “LigniSeed,” shows the most consistent yield response of any seed treatment we’ve seen. Dave, a veteran of more than 30 years in Canadian agronomic products, thoroughly field-tests what he offers