Novel Biostimulant to Help Potato Crops Withstand Stress and Harsh Weather

The outcomes of three recent field tests for a biostimulant brand that debuted at this year's British Potato pleased show attendees. The trials, which took place this year, validated Algifol's promises to enhance and boost potato yields while helping crops withstand stress and harsh weather.

In a field testing conducted in Cheshire on Melody, 3 Shires Ltd. discovered that three one-liter applications of Algifol throughout the season resulted in a 29.6% increase in tuber production. There were 27.3% more tubers in the 40–64 mm sweet area for potato packing. Additionally, the tubers treated with Algifol weighed 22% more than those cultivated using conventional farming methods.

In contrast to conventional farming practices, Algifol enhanced crop uniformity and yielded an 18% weight gain in Accord, according to a second trial conducted by 3 Shires Ltd.

At South Cave farm, which is close to Hull, Whole Crop Marketing conducted the third trial on Accord and Lady Rosetta. Algifol increased tuber numbers by 13% and 7% in two test fields when compared to regular farming procedures.

“All three trials were undertaken in very challenging growing conditions, which is a real positive for Algifol as it makes the results even more impressive. Algifol is growing in popularity, and our sales have increased every year since I first started marketing Algifol to UK growers back in 2005. Whilst it is anecdotal feedback, every farmer who has used Algifol this year has said they're pleased with how it has helped their crop, and we're receiving lots of repeat orders, which is fantastic,” Marcus Palmer, director of MJP Supplies, Algifol's UK distributor, mentioned.

One grower who has been exceptionally pleased with the results Algifol has delivered this year is Andrew Megginson of J K B Megginson & Sons Ltd in Driffield.

“We've had a really good result with Algifol this year. The canopy stayed lovely and green throughout the season despite some very challenging weather, which I'm sure was causing stress to potatoes not treated with Algifol. The yield was up, and we were delighted with the uniformity of size and the overall quality of the crop when it was lifted. We will be using Algifol again for sure!” Megginson declared.

Algifol is a concentrated brown algae that is harvested from the North Atlantic, dried, and purified by Neomed Pharma GmbH in Germany to maximize its abundance of trace elements, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, carbohydrates, polyuronides, and plant hormones that control plant growth.

Algifol not only boosts yields but also helps minimize the crop's carbon footprint by enhancing fertilizer uptake through stronger roots and enhanced photosynthesis, which lessens leaching and losses to the atmosphere.

“Applied by knapsack, trailed or mounted sprayers or planes, Algifol is used worldwide on various crops, including bananas, grapes, tea, peas, and cereals. In the UK, the majority of Marcus' customers are growing potatoes, oilseed rape, and sugar beet, with the manufacturer NeoMed-Pharma recommending four applications of one liter of Algifol diluted at a ratio of up to 1:1,000,” the company’s representatives concluded.