Biologicals are products derived from living organisms (or their components) used to enhance plant growth, health, and protection. This is the next area of eco-friendly yield increases for potato production, particularly in the areas of bio-controls and bio-stimulants. Those in the agricultural sector have long recognized there is something to biologicals, though broad, consistent production benefits have been tough to find. This is largely because biologicals can be very fickle, environmentally sensitive and hard to keep alive through the supply chain. Meristem Crop Performance developed and patented a Bio-Capsule delivery system that keeps biology alive and viable until it can be applied. This novel innovation has created a world of opportunity for harnessing different combinations of desirable, living, viable biologicals (and synthetics) in potato production. With this innovation, Meristem is re-writing the narrative to help farmers harness the benefits of biologicals to boost tonnage and reduce production costs.
Moderator: Chris Thrasher, VP of Product Development and Innovation, Meristem
Panelists: Alex Cochran, Chief Technology Officer, DPH Biologicals
Jeff Sommers, General Manager, Wysocki Farms