Bio-stimulant range boosts rape establishment

Trials suggest oilseed rape crops benefit from improved root growth and greening following applications of natural amino-acid complex bio-stimulants.

Independent agronomist Helen Baxter – who has used the bio-stimulant AminoA Flo on conventional oilseed rape – says it improved root development, stem thickness and rapid early green leaf growth during establishment.

Ms Baxter says she applied AminoA Flo as part of her early spring management programme after a severe late winter frost damaged rape crops. “We have seen very fast recovery and excellent spring growth,” she said.

Independent trials data supports the benefits of using bio-stimulants, says UK manufacturer AminoA. Replicated and on-going trials of the Class A fertiliser have returned further positive results, it adds.

Andy Cheetham of Ceres Agri Services has several clients growing organic oilseed rape this season. He plans to make amino acids a major part of inputs for the organic crops, and is using OF&G approved AminoA Gro. 

Mr Cheetham made two split applications of AminoA Gro totalling 2.5l/ha to a field which was hammered with pigeons, stripping the leaves.”The crop recovered within a couple of weeks, with lots of new root growth,” he says.

AminoA managing director Richard Phillips says it is important to apply AminoA Flo with a fungicide mix, particularly at petal fall.

“We recommend keeping levels of Flo up to 2l/ha to extend the green leaf area for as long as possible – and get a good pod fill.”

Yield improvements have been recorded in replicated trials. Eurofins trial results from 2019 saw winter rape treated at the three-leaf stage return a yield increase of 0.38t/ha from a single autumn treatment.