Category: News
Date published: October 18, 2024

Biocontrol: proven success in row crops

Row crops, such as wheat, maize, soybeans and oil seed rape play a critical role in global food security due to their high yield potential and widespread adaptability. These crops form the backbone of many diets around the world and their ability to be cultivated on large scale helps ensure a stable and abundant supply of staple foods. Additionally, row crops support various food systems and economies and by optimizing their cultivation we can enhance resilience against food shortages and fluctuations, thereby bolstering global food security.

Biocontrol’s potential in building global food security 

Maize is the leading cereal in terms of production volume and global human food consumption of maize amounts to 18.5 kg/capita/year. For 2023/24, the consumption of maize was forecasted to amount to a total of about 1.21 billion metric tons worldwide.

Soybeans represented 59% of the world's oilseed production and is one of the most important animal feed ingredients. Global soybean production was forecast to grow by 7%, to a record of 395 million tons in the 2023/24 season. Within this context, the protection of row crop harvests is essential for global food security. Koppert’s product, Trianum offers growers the biological cornerstone for strategic IPM for healthier, safer and more productive row crops.

Protection against soil-borne diseases 

Trianum, Trichoderma harzianum T-22, thrives in various crops and is specifically suited for arable crops such as maize, oil seed rape and soybean. Trianum remains effective under a wide variety of circumstances and works well in a soil temperature between 10 and 34 °C/50 and 93°F and a pH value between 4 and 8.5.

The product can already be applied in the sowing stage. This can be done by means of clay granules that can be sprinkled over or mixed with the soil or substrate, Trianum-G, or through a powder that is dispersible in water, Trianum-P.

The conidia of Trichoderma harzianum T22, present in Trianum, reach the soil and initiate a symbiotic relationship with the plant's root system. This long-term association provides additional protection to the roots against soil-borne diseases such as Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Pythium. This added protection helps plants grow healthier and stronger during the sensitive stages after sowing, reducing the risk of root rot and damping-off symptoms. Trianum supports growers in achieving a higher plant density, leading to a significant improvement in yield.

Increased yields with Trianum 

Trials have shown outstanding results for Trianum in maize, with a 25% increase in root weight, a 3.6% increase in stem diameter, and a 5.5% increase in plant height, ultimately resulting in a 5% yield increase. This translates to an additional EUR 90 per hectare.

Similarly, positive results have been observed in other crops. In wheat, there was a 33% increase in yield, with a return on investment (ROI) of approximately 400%, equating to an additional EUR 225 per hectare. In oilseed rape, a 10% yield increase was achieved, with a return on investment of around EUR 90 per hectare.

22% decrease in Fusarium  

In various results globally, observations showed a 22% decrease of Fusarium verticilloides incidence. Currently we are also testing a new bioactivator, which is based on Ascophyllum nodosum. This product works well alongside Trianum and first results in maize and soybean are very positive. For soybean, trial results showed an increase in number of pods on plant from 55 to 66,5 and an increase in shoot weight from 50,3 grams to 57,4 grams.

A decrease in disease, stronger plants and increased yields for your row crops, that is what it means to be in control with Koppert.