The Dirty Work: Lemon Case Study

BioFlora Works to Slow the Spread of Plant Pathogens

BioFlora® conducted a field trial to determine if our products would help suppress several pathogens that were damaging a lemon grove in Yuma, Arizona. The pathogens identified in this trial were: Fusarium: A is filamentous fungi, widely distributed in soil and associated with plants. Fusarium can cause head blight, root rot, seedling blight and fusarium wilt in infected fields. Phytophthora: A plant pathogen of relatively host-specific parasites, but still capable of causing enormous economic losses on crops worldwide, as well as heavy environmental damage to ecosystems. Pythium: Is a common cause of root rot and damping off, as this pathogen tends to be very generalistic and unspecific in their large range of hosts. BioFlora utilized a soil and foliar program consisting of GO Isolates®, BioFlora Seaweed Creme®, GOgreen®, BioFlora 5-17-4, BioFlora 0-0-25, DynaMega®, Fulmega™ 1% Mg, and BioFlora 6-0-0 + 8% Ca. Our Products

GO Isolates: Organic blend of microbes from the Bacillus species that has been shown to suppress plant pathogens and build a stable microbial community. GOgreen: Matrix of freshwater green and yellow-green algae, that improves soil crumb structure, moisture retention, organic matter, root growth, and sodium mitigation. BioFlora Seaweed Creme: Created through a proprietary extraction process to secure all of the beneficial qualities of seaweed, stimulates flowering, fruit set and fruit cell density. DynaMega 2-1-1: Exclusive blend of fish solubles and seaweed, excellent for crop finishing, improving color, Brix levels and size uniformity. Fulmega 1% Mg:An ionic magnesium supplement that assists with higher yield and quality, even with less chemical fertilizer input. BioFlora 5-17-4: An ideally balanced formula that greatly enhances plant metabolism, nutrient assimilation and microbial activity. BioFlora 0-0-25: Improves potassium uptake, enhances the availability of other nutrient ions and translocates nutrients during times of plant or environmental stress. BioFlora 6-0-0 + 8% Ca:Corrects calcium deficiencies while enhancing photosynthetic activity, membrane permeability, cell wall strength, cell division and metabolism. Our MethodControl Field: 16 acres Grower Standard Program: 10-34-0 10 gallons 2 applications UN 32 10 gallons 1 application BioFlora Field: 9 acres Soil Program: Applied throughout the growing season. January through December: GO Isolates, GOgreen, Seaweed Creme, BioFlora 5-17-4, and BioFlora 0-0-25 BioFlora’s products used in the soil program help boost microbial activity for improved pathogen suppression, promote sodium mitigation, and supply micronutrients for enhanced growth and development. Foliar Program: Applied in February, May and October: DynaMega, Seaweed Creme, BioFlora 0-0-25, Fulmega, and BioFlora 6-0-0 + 8% Ca. All BioFlora products were applied in addition to the grower standard program, with the same rates and applications used in the Control Field. BioFlora’s products used in the foliar program help promote and regulate plant growth, strength plant cells, enhance absorption and deliver essential micronutrients necessary for crop finishing. Our Results The BioFlora treated field had 151 more trays on 9 acres than the Control field of Export Fancy lemons, which are the highest grade and receive top return in the market ($18). The BioFlora field realized $846 / acre return The Control field realized $544 / acre return This is a 64% income advantage for BioFlora. UPDATE BioFlora treated fields continue to advance in vigor and both beneficial microbe numbers and microbial diversity. Pathogens appear to be suppressed since initial treatment. About BioFlora BioFlora was founded in 1972 with a goal to conceptualize, develop, manufacture, market, and deliver a proprietary product line to the agricultural community. Through our innovative products and programs, we provide solutions to our customers in both domestic and international markets. Today, we have over 30 unique proprietary products that benefit growers, retailers and consumers alike. Our organic and sustainable agricultural programs maximize the efficacy and efficiency of traditional agricultural inputs, while being mindful of their environmental impact.