BioWorks introduces Stemmer silicon-based plant health solution

New York-based biological crop protection company BioWorks announced the introduction of Stemmer, an highly soluble silicon-based plant health solution.

"Stemmer helps reinforce plant cell walls, optimize nutrient and water use efficiency, and enhance crop performance under challenging growing conditions," the company said in a news release. "From salinity and high EC levels to intense solar radiation and temperature extremes, Stemmer provides season-long support that results in greener plants that are better equipped to perform under challenging growing conditions.

"As environmental conditions become increasingly unpredictable, Stemmer is designed to improve plant tolerance to a wide range of abiotic stressors, including drought, heat, frost, salinity, heavy metals and UV radiation," the company added.

"Formulated with a 100% water-soluble silicon source, Stemmer delivers plant-available silicon to support structural integrity and physiological performance," the company continued. "Silicon deposition within plant tissues reinforces cell wall architecture, enhancing tissue strength, stem rigidity and overall plant resilience. Increased silicon availability also facilitates the translocation and utilization of relatively immobile nutrients, particularly calcium, supporting cell wall development, tissue quality and improved crop vigor throughout entire lifecycles"

"Healthy plants begin with strong plant structure, and Stemmer gives growers an effective way to build resilience from the inside out," said BioWorks General Manager Chris Rose. "By delivering a highly available source of silicon, Stemmer helps plants use water and nutrients more efficiently while improving their ability to tolerate environmental stress. It's another valuable addition to our expanding plant health portfolio that helps growers produce stronger, more resilient crops."

Stemmer is a fully soluble formulation that allows for mixing and application across greenhouse, nursery, high tunnel and field production systems.

Efficacy trial results with poinsettia, cherries

In a poinsettia rooting trial, Stemmer improved rooting performance. Two days after treatment, 80% of Stemmer-treated cuttings had initiated roots, compared to 30% of untreated controls. Seven days after treatment, 100% of Stemmer-treated cuttings had reached transplant-ready status (10-plus roots), while 80% of untreated cuttings had reached the same stage.

In two cherry field trials, Stemmer increased the calcium content in leaf tissue by 23% and 31% and had improvements in both leaf structure and fruit quality. The cherries had more uniform color and were reported firmer by the grower in the Stemmer-treated fields.

For more product details, trial results and state registration information, visit the Stemmer product page.

Stemmer is available now throughout the United States, except California, through authorized BioWorks distributors.