Latest Product - release September 2009

INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

How does Agrichem’s ENHANCE KCS technology work?

Silica plays an important role in modifying the physiology of crops to help them better cope with both biotic (Systemic Acquired Resistance response) and abiotic stress such as salinity - whereby the uptake of sodium is reduced. Silica enters plants and accumulates around the epidermis of roots, stems and shoots, thus conferring plant strength and standability. Silica forms a gel and associates with calcium and pectins to stabilise cell walls and increase the plant’s ability to handle stress conditions. Silica therefore, also has the ability to improve shelf life and quality of fruit. Silica also enhances disease resistance which will decrease postharvest rotting of fruit and vegetables.

Calcium is required for the cellulose precursors for cell wall formation. It also stabilises cell membranes and protects them – an important attribute under stress conditions. In fruit crops it is required in high quantities and is important for fruit quality and shelf life. It is also known that when plants are threatened by infection, calcium binds to a protein called calmodulin that prompts plants to manufacture salicylic acid (SA), a close chemical relative of aspirin. SA acts as a signal molecule that kicks off a series of reactions that help defend against external threats (SAR response). Calcium also has a role to play in sodic and saline soils by displacing the sodium ions from the soil particles.

Potassium regulates water, electrolytes and turgidity of plant cells. In conjunction with silica, the 2 elements work synergistically controlling water relations and reducing plant water demand and increasing tolerance to drought. Potassium is also vital for cell division, protein and carbohydrate formation, and thus fruit quality. Lack of potassium when the plant is young cannot be compensated for later.

Sulphur is responsible for nitrogen conversion and assimilation. Sulphur forms essential amino acids and thus, proteins. Sulphur is also involved in the formation of chlorophyll and other oxidation reactions..