By Mike Thompson and Matthew Powe, Indigo Ag
Biological products are increasingly discussed as practical and affordable tools to enhance crop yield and farm profitability. However, several misconceptions persist regarding their application and effectiveness. Indigo Ag’s Mike Thompson breaks down the most common myths surrounding biological products.
Myth No. 1: Biologicals are a “silver bullet” solution for all agronomic challenges.
Reality: While biologicals can complement a plant’s natural abilities to manage stress or cycle nutrients, they are not a substitute for addressing fundamental agronomic practices. Proper variety selection, nutrient management, and effective weed and insect control remain critical for optimal crop production.
Myth No. 2: Biologicals are akin to ineffective “snake oils” of the past.
Reality: Early biological products sometimes failed to deliver promised results. However, advancements in scientific understanding of plant-microbe interactions and significant research and development investments have led to more reliable, proven and effective biological solutions.
Myth No. 3: Biological microbes cannot survive in field conditions.
Reality: Maintaining the viability of active microbes can be challenging. However, the formulation and rigorous testing of microbes are crucial. Dry spore formulations, for example, exhibit greater resilience to environmental fluctuations, remaining dormant until favorable conditions arise. Proper storage of biological products is also essential for maximizing their shelf life.
Myth No. 4: The performance of biologicals cannot be accurately measured by yield.
Reality: While yield gains from biologicals may often be less than 10%, it is critical to analyze data from multiple sources with replications across diverse geographic regions to assess their impact. For farmers, a positive return on investment (ROI) is paramount, and yield measurements serve as a primary means of evaluating this. Field trials show yield benefits on monitors as well as being visible with the naked eye.
Myth No. 5: Biological products are only suitable for organic or non-GMO farming systems.
Reality: Biologicals can offer benefits across all farming systems by helping plants manage common stresses such as heat and drought. Biologicals can sometimes be integrated with synthetic products to aid in resistance management and enhance overall pest resilience.
Myth No. 6: All biological products available on the market are essentially the same.
Reality: Significant diversity exists among biological products. Different species of bacteria, such as Bacillus, contain numerous strains with distinct modes of action. Companies are focused on selecting specific strains to address particular agricultural challenges. For example, just as different corn varieties (dent, sweet, popcorn) within the Zea Mays genus exhibit unique characteristics, different microbial strains within a species will have varying effects.
Myth No. 7: It’s not coating the entire seed, therefore it’s not effective
Reality: Unlike traditional seed treatments that require full coverage to create a pest barrier, endophytic biologicals only need contact with a small area of the seed to colonize within the plant or its root system. Traditional seed treatments may also lose efficacy after a few weeks, whereas biological seed treatments can grow with the plant, replicating and providing ongoing benefits throughout its life cycle.
In conclusion, understanding the nuances of biological products and getting to the bottom of common myths is crucial for farmers seeking practical and affordable solutions to enhance yield and profitability. Consulting with extension offices or agronomists for informed recommendations remains a valuable resource. Learn more about Indigo’s Biologicals Solutions and receive a tailored agronomic plan on how biologicals can help your operation.
Mike Thompson is the Biologicals Key Account Manager North America Biological Sales Lead at Indigo Ag. Matthew Powe is Senior Technical Agronomist at Indigo Ag. Both have worked with biological products in the lab and field. Indigo Ag’s biotrinsic® products Biological Solutions harness nature’s beneficial microbes and are proven to help protect crop and increase yield.
