Farmer Ian Rew has launched a BioGro certified organic chitin-based product, Flamingro, to Australian growers.
Trials in New Zealand have shown it can increase plant root mass and shoot growth by 26 per cent while also helping to suppress plant-parasitic nematodes.
Chitin (pronounced KAI-TIN), a natural chain of glucose molecules structurally related to cellulose, are normally found in the shells of crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and insects.
The product’s name, Flamingro, is inspired by the fact a diet rich in chitin is what gives the flamingo bird its beautiful pink colour.
The ‘gro’ part refers to the increased plant shoot and root growth Flamingro promotes.
Backed by 30 years of extensive research, development, testing, and real-world use from his previous business in the US, the Flamingro formulation is ideal for Australian conditions.
“In California's vineyard regions, the climate is very dry, so we developed a liquid formula which could be applied through irrigation systems,” Mr Rew said.
“Given the similar conditions in Australia, we've adapted this approach with a dry product that's finely milled to work through irrigation systems without causing blockages,” he explains.
“This new dry formulation not only improves on its predecessor but also boasts a significantly higher chitin content than the product I originally developed in the US.”
The formulation contains not less than 21 per cent chitin (Poly N Acetyl D Glucosamine), humic and fulvic Acids.
During development, the new formulation went through extensive and successful testing at Ag Research, Hamilton and Plant and Food Research, Lincoln, New Zealand.
AgResearch trials in 2017 found during a nine-week glasshouse pot experiment of white clover seedlings, Flamingro was found to increase clover root mass and shoot growth by that 26 per cent.
Nematodes and microscopic roundworms are a significant threat to grapevines in Australia, costing the industry an estimated $14 million annually.
These parasitic pests, particularly the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.), are notorious for causing severe yield losses, especially in regions like the Sunraysia, Barossa Valley, and Western Australia's viticultural areas.
Without intervention, infestations can reduce grape yields by 20-40 per cent, leading to stunted growth and poor vine vigour.
Flamingro induces and enhances the natural defensive mechanisms in plants by increasing local endophyte numbers in the soil.
They enter the root system and create a barrier effect, where they prevent pathogenic microorganisms from attacking the roots and spreading disease.
The endophytes stop the pathogenic microorganisms, giving the plant’s roots a chance to thrive and grow a much bigger root mass, creating larger, healthier plants.
This is especially critical in regions where sandy soils make grapevines more vulnerable to nematode damage.
With 70-80 per cent of current wine grape plantings on their own roots, Flamingro offers a vital layer of protection that could significantly reduce losses across the industry.
Extensive trials validate Flamingro’s effectiveness
With research showing favourable results, Mr Rew has already carried out numerous free trials across New Zealand – ranging from vineyards in the Marlborough region, through to kiwifruit growers and dairy farmers in the Bay of Plenty.
Although trials were primarily run on established trees and vines over one to two years, Flamingro also works well for farmers who are looking to improve the quality of their pasture.
“Once a grower uses our product, its value becomes clear. As a farmer myself, I understand the scepticism – when someone is selling me a product, I need to see tangible results,” Mr Rew says.
“That’s why we believe our product speaks for itself. When farmers witness its effectiveness, it earns their trust – and their business.”
