Preliminary Results Show a 50 to 75% Reduction in Pathogenic Nematodes with Holganix Technology
Glen Mills, PA (PRWEB) October 05, 2017 -- Holganix is excited to release preliminary results from research underway on Holganix technology and nematodes at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The nematodes currently being studied include pathogenic root-knot and soybean cyst nematodes.
While studies are still ongoing, preliminary results have shown a 75% reduction in pathogenic nematodes with Holganix technology in a lab setting and a 50% reduction in pathogenic nematodes in a field setting.
Pathogenic nematodes may be small microscopic round worms, but they represent a large problem for growers and turf professionals. In fact, according to a report published by the Society of Nematologists, pathogenic nematodes are responsible for an estimated 14% loss of all economically important crops worldwide, translating to over $100 billion annually.
Pathogenic nematodes feed on plant roots, damaging them and draining nutrients from the plant, decreasing yields and increasing the plant’s susceptibility to other stresses.
In 2015, golf courses in Florida began taking notice and talking about results they saw on pathogenic nematodes while using Holganix Golf (a Bio 800+ product). Shannon Easter, the Director of Golf Maintenance and Environmental Consultant for Broken Sound Golf Club in Boca Raton, Florida, saw an average 60% decrease in pathogenic nematode counts and attributes the results to Holganix Golf.
Results on Florida golf courses inspired Holganix scientists to dig deeper and invest in research to better understand the benefits of Holganix technology on pathogenic nematodes.
Holganix technology is “complex,” explains Dr. Lambert, the researcher conducting trials of Holganix technology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “There’s a lot of things going on in the jug and it is difficult to state with certainty why Holganix technology is producing results.” However, Dr. Lambert does have three theories.
1. Affecting migration to the roots - Holganix technology appears to confuse or incapacitates the nematode so it can’t migrate to the plant and cause harm.
2. Inhibiting eggs from hatching - Holganix technology may be inhibiting soybean cyst nematode eggs from hatching.
3. Targeting pathogenic nematodes - Microbes in Holganix technology may be attacking pathogenic nematodes.
Dr. Lambert will need to replicate both the lab and field trials before drawing conclusive results regarding the effect, mechanism and application of Holganix technology, when used as a treatment against pathogenic nematodes.
At the end of the day, “chemical treatments (nematicides) are extremely expensive for growers and turf professionals,” explains Dr. Lambert. “The fact that Holganix technology is better for the environment, technician and pocket-book, is exciting. We are crossing our fingers and hoping for additional positive feedback. Stay tuned!”
Today, Holganix does not offer a registered nematicide product and results on Holganix technology’s influence over pathogenic nematodes are still pending; however, the Holganix team is excited by the results and what those results could mean for the future of Holganix.
About Holganix:
Holganix is the manufacturer of biological solutions that balance the soil’s ecosystem, building strong roots and growing healthier, stronger plants. Holganix products allows professionals to reduce fertilizer and pesticide inputs, providing high performance, yet sustainable results.
Press Contact:
Kaitlyn Ersek – 866-563-2784 x201- kersek(at)holganix(dot)com
Kaitlyn Ersek, Holganix, LLC, http://www.Holganix.com, +1 866-563-2784 Ext: 201, [email protected]
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