Sonic Essentials harnessed its platinum sponsorship of the Fruit Growers Victoria (FGV) conference held in Shepparton recently as a major platform to unveil Root Boost - the first starter product in their Gro Start Pro range of crop starters.
Sonic Essentials leading agronomist Michelle Bammann describes Gro Start Pro as innovative products fortified with technology to stimulate a plant’s own disease defensive mechanisms using elicitors, humic acids and seaweed extract.
Ms Bammann said as the company’s first product, Root Boost has the potential to enhance crop and plant establishment.
She says it can induce a plant’s own disease defences to protect roots from pathogens, encourage beneficial soil organisms which colonise plant roots and spread throughout the surrounding soil, break down complex organic compounds for easier absorption by the plant and greatly increasing the root system for greater absorption of nutrients and water.
“Root Boost is ideal for the establishment of all annual and perennial crops and seedlings and highly effective to stimulate established trees and vines emerging from dormancy,” Ms Bammann adds.
Benefits of Root Boost include vigorous root growth and repair of damaged roots, enhanced seed germination and strengthened roots and shoots, enhanced uptake of nutrients, strengthened resistance to pests and pathogens, stimulated microbiological life and healthy soil.
Key nutrients found in Root Boost include nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K) and zinc (Zn).
Nitrogen is vital for plant growth, boosting chlorophyll production, leaf and stem growth, photosynthesis, hormone regulation, and overall health.
Phosphorus is critical for early plant growth, aiding root development, energy production and nucleic acid biosynthesis. It also supports cell division, photosynthesis, and carbohydrate movement. Deficiencies are common in alkaline and acidic soils due to binding with calcium, aluminium, and iron.
Potassium is essential for plants, aiding in osmotic regulation, nutrient transport, disease resistance and overall growth. It enhances fruit quality, improves drought tolerance and supports cell division. Proper potassium management prevents stunted growth and poor yields.
Zinc boosts early crop growth by enhancing root development, enzyme function and protein synthesis leading to stronger, healthier plants.
Sonic Essentials managing director Owen McCarron describes Gro Start Pro as a great addition to Sonic Essentials product ranges, which include IcON essential trace minerals high analysis suspension concentrate micronutrients, Nutri Essential clear liquid range of NPK and trace element, IcON Phite fungicides and Not-a-Trace compatibility and cleaning agent.
“Sonic Essentials in collaboration with universities and independent research organisations continues to seek out and identify enhanced and innovative ways to deliver essential crop and soil nutrients to deliver benefits to growers and consumers.
“Sonic Essentials is proud to be an advocate for improved crop nutrition to impact crop quality, yield and improve human health outcomes,” he said.
Sonic Essentials products are manufactured in Australia and sold domestically as well as into Asia and South and Central America.
“We were delighted to be platinum sponsor for a second consecutive FGV conference time – and to launch our Gro Start Pro product range at this significant event for the fruit growing industry.”
