Independent trials conducted in drought prone soils, comparing the performance of commonly used bio-stimulants on Skyfall winter wheat with a 50% fungicide programme, have found AminoA FLO to be one of the best performing and most consistent bio-stimulants in the study.
The NIAB trials conducted at Cirencester saw AminoA FLO, a UK manufactured, highly concentrated natural bio-stimulant and nutrient source, produce a statistically significant yield increase above the reduced fungicide programme, and also a significant increase in green leaf retention.
“Statistical analysis of data showed that the treatments had a substantial effect on the grain yield,” explains Richard Phillips, managing director of AminoA.
The full fungicide programme produced a higher yield (9.18 t/ha) than the reduced rate of fungicide treated plots (8.69 t/ha). The untreated yield was 7.54 t/ha.
“The use of AminoA FLO with the reduced rate of fungicide at T0 and T1 had a positive effect on the grain yield and produced 9.17 t/ha. Reduced fungicide with AminoA FLO at T1 and T2 produced 9.00 t/ha,” explains Mr Phillips.
The AminoA Flo T1 and T2 programme resulted in pointedly higher green flag leaf retention (78.30%), compared to the untreated at 28.30. The full fungicide inputs (36.7%), was much lower than the 63.30% AminoA FLO T0 and T1 treatment.
“This shows the importance of early applications to establish yield potential, and the importance of including AminoA at all fungicide timings,” adds Mr Phillips.
The findings back up NIAB’s previous claims that AminoA FLO can reduce reliance on fungicide inputs. The Cirencester trial site was in drought prone, shallow soils, with little moisture, and the results provide strong evidence that AminoA bio-stimulants can reduce fungicide use by around 30-40%.
Further trial results are being analysed at other sites around the country, including in Hampshire and Devon.
AminoA products are natural bio-stimulants, obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis. Containing essential amino-acids that plants synthesise throughout their growth cycle, they can contribute positively to yield and quality if the plant is not already producing optimal levels of amino-acids itself.
