Columbus, Ohio – Keeping microbes alive and vigorous is bringing big benefits to crops and farmers. And Meristem Crop Performance opened a wide path to broader benefits with the announcement of its new patent pending Liquid Bio-Capsule Technology delivery system.
“We’ve seen great yield results from thousands of farmers on millions of acres by keeping these biologicals protected with our dry planter box Bio-Capsule microbial delivery system,” said Mitch Eviston, Meristem’s Founder and CEO. “Now with our patent pending Liquid Bio-Capsule, farmers will be able to conveniently pair dry solubles with liquids to bring new options to their sprayer applications.”
Eviston says the Liquid Bio-Capsule – a specially designed Bio-Capsule that has been designed to fit on top of a 2.5 gallon jug and other liquid containers – will be a game-changer just as Meristem’s Bio-Capsule seed fluency delivery system was to the planter box, but perhaps with even more pest control possibilities for teaming biologicals with synthetic chemistry for new modes of action.
“There are so many biofungicides and bioinsecticides that have not been available to farmers simply because it’s a challenge to keep them viable through the channel,” explained Eviston. “Now for the first time, live beneficial microbes can be kept in a separate compartment on top of a jug and mixed with synthetics at the point of use.”
John Gertz, Meristem’s Chief Operating Officer, says it solves several nagging problems in a convenient way. “We know there are many very good biological technologies that can benefit farmers out there, but the challenge is having a dependable way to keep microbes vigorous all the way to the field level and in high enough concentration to provide the bang for the buck,” Gertz says. “The new Liquid Bio-Capsule meets that challenge in a way that’s easy for farmers to use.”
He points to multiple benefits:
- All-season Flexibility. Microbial technology can now be added to any liquid application. The Liquid Bio-Capsule allows convenient delivery of beneficial biologicals to any spray application throughout the season.
- Fast-track Innovation. The Liquid Bio-Capsule is driven by co-pack regulatory strategy that allows faster EPA registration. That means more localized, cost-effective, field-specific remedies to crop production challenges.
- Greater Market Access. Some biological companies, start-ups, and independent players have discovered beneficial microbes or have proprietary blends, but are struggling with the challenge of how to keep the microbe and biology alive all the way to the field. For these players, the Liquid Bio-Capsule, along with Meristem’s growing network of dealer/partners, provides a path forward. Or it can be licensed by those seeking to reach farmers with their own brands.
“Our patent pending Bio-Capsule Technology has clearly shown the power of biologicals when they are kept healthy to the point of impact,” he says. “Now with the liquid version, we can bring those benefits conveniently to farmers all through the season, when they are applying crop protection, micronutrients, PGRs (plant growth regulators) and other liquid applications. It really does expand the whole playing field.”
For more information, visit www.meristemag.com.