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Developed and marketed as a plant growth stimulator, this amazing product—itself a fungus—has also been observed protecting plants from destructive fungi. PROMOT PLUS is now being carried and used by S&S Seeds. Scientists have reported stunning results when plants are grown in soils treated with species of Trichoderma fungi, but until now attempts at commercial applications were mostly unsuccessful. PROMOT PLUS was pioneered by Ventura's J. H. Biotech, Inc. and is the result of new treatments the company developed.

What It Is
"This is some amazing stuff," Paul Albright said as he announced his company's endorsement of the product. "There have been lots of studies over the past fifteen years on the various species of Trichoderma fungi for commercial use but until recently it hasn't been practical. J. H. Biotech has succeeded in isolating two beneficial species—Trichoderma koningii and Trichoderma harzianum—then packaging them in both a liquid and dry form.
"PROMOT PLUS is a natural plant growth promoter that contains living microorganisms, enzyme complexes, and nutrients that jump start plants. Treated seeds resist "damping off"—pre-germination rot—to improve the germination rate. The germination period is shortened too. That's important for seedlings started in a greenhouse then transplanted. The vigorous growth is accompanied by improved disease resistance. Not only can transplanting be done days earlier, the Trichoderma fungi are carried to the field where they continue to multiply and benefit the plants," Albright said.
PROMOT PLUS is registered as a growth stimulator but according to Colorado State University plant pathologist, Ralph Baker, some scientists feel it has a better application in disease control. Their studies indicate that Trichoderma can suppress pathogenic fungi, such as Rhizoctonia solani, species of Pythium, Sclerotia rolfsii, and others that cause seed rot, root rot, stem rot and fruit rot.

How It Works
Papers published by research scientists indicated, "When Trichoderma is added to soil containing rhizoctonia, for instance, hyphae (threads) of Trichoderma fungi will wrap around and attach itself to the host mycelium (filament mass)."
The invading fungus eventually collapses and disintegrates.
"The versatility of PROMOT PLUS is incredible," Paul Albright said, "It can be applied wet or dry: to seeds before planting, for transplanting, as a side dressing mixed with liquid fertilizer, or it can be mixed with fertilizer or herbicide applied through subsurface drip irrigation or broadcast dry on the soil and watered in.
"And it is useful on all kinds of plants: vegetables and row crops, trees and vine crops, turf and sod. PROMOT PLUS can be incorporated in potting soil or used in gardens, flowerbeds and for transplanting," Albright said.
Since the product is living it will continue to multiply after application, which allows for extremely small quantities to have very large effects. For instance, as a pre-planting treatment for row crops, the liquid application rate is one quart per acre with one or two applications during a growing season!
The amazing properties of PROMOT PLUS are enhanced further by the fact that it is nontoxic to plants, humans and animals; is nonpolluting, safe to use and completely natural. That means there is no pest control applicator's license needed, no government forms to fill out or regulations to follow. And it is totally safe for employees to use.

The Proofs
In a 1988 study of Trichoderma applications by the Department of Pathology and Weed Science, Colorado State University, scientists observed radish growth increases of 150 to 250 percent. Similarly, in both steamed and raw soil infested with the fungus, periwinkle flowering was hastened and the number of blooms on chrysanthemums and petunias multiplied. Dry weights of tomato, pepper and cucumber plants increased and treated pepper seeds germinated two days faster than the control plantings.
PROMOT PLUS has also been scientifically tested on cabbage, carrot, lettuce, tomato, cotton, potatoes, beans, peas, flowers and house plants.
Paul Albright recommends use on both newly-seeded sod and turf areas and those already established. "The application rate is the same—three ounces of liquid PROMOT PLUS per 1,000 square feet—and it can be mixed in with sprayed-on applications of fertilizer or herbicide. It is a natural for hydroseeding.
"In erosion control the faster germination and growth and heavier root system are important factors in stabilizing the soil.
"We are very excited about this new product because it fits perfectly into the growing trend toward biocontrol of disease and harmful fungi and reduced use of manufactured fertilizers.
"Research into these beneficial fungi shows promise they can be part of the answer to increasing ecological concerns," Albright said.
Contact Albright for more details on PROMOT PLUS.

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