EKOPROP
The heart of the EKOprop® line is a strain of Pseudomonas spp. isolated in Germany, thanks an intensive collaboration between SP Sourcon Padena and Universities and Research Centers.
The modes of actions of this Pseudomonas strain are several:
- It belongs to the PGPR – Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria bacteria. The main characteristic is to have symbiosis relationship with the plants’ roots, producing for them natural substances that are hormones’ precursors such as Indolacetic Acid, Citochinine, Ethylene as Carbon and Nitrogen source and Auxins. All these substances are needed for the development in phase both vegetative and reproductive. Furthermore, thanks to the interaction between Pseudomonas and the metabolism, the plant optimizes the uptake of micro- and macro-nutrients, granting a more flourishing vegetative growth.
- It activates Siderophore substances that have the characteristic to modify the Iron available in the soil. This action has a double goal: making available for the plant easily absorbable complexes, meaning a less accumulation of nitrates in the fruits, and avoiding the diseases to feed with Iron, essential element for their growth.
- It is able to stimulate an overproduction in the roots of Salicylic Acid, which will be moved in different parts of the plant. This molecule is one of the precursors of SAR (Systemic Acquired Resistance) – a series of reactions that takes places in the plant, once it is attacked by pathogens. The plant, after having recognized the pathogens, activates particular metabolites to protect itself from the attacks.
The strength of the EKOprop® line is not only the heart, Pseudomonas sp. strain, but interaction between all the microorganisms and Pseudomonas:
- Mycorrhizae have the ability to promote roots’ growth, helping the plant to uptake those nutrients not easily available from the soil;
- Antagonistic fungi colonize the soil close to the roots, creating a barrier around the roots;
- The other bacteria act in synergy with Pseudomonas in several and different situation, enhancing each other their role.
Modern agriculture, through the application of pesticide, tillage and use of mineral fertilizers, leads to an excessive mineralization of the organic substance and reduction of microbial species (Rhizobacteria, Mycorrhizae and symbiosis) in the soil.
The application of EKOprop® products helps to re-balance the microbiota, bringing back the soil to the original fertility. The presence of an active microbial mix close to the plants is essential to optimize the efficiency of nutrients’ uptakes with fertilizers, to mobilize the nutrients already present in the soil, reducing the cost for farmers and increasing the health of the environment.
All the products in EKOprop® line are authorized by FiBL - Forschungsinstitut für biologischen Landbau for organic agriculture.