In our previous article, we discussed the profound benefits flavonoids have to overall plant health. In this article, we unpack how our flavonoid foliar spray, CropBioLife works to stimulate metabolic processes within the plant to enhance nutrient efficiency and resistance to stress. CropBioLife is a bio-stimulant foliar spray containing naturally occurring substances called flavonoids. Flavonoids are a group of related substances that are synthesised in plants and found in many plant structures including fruit, vegetables, flowers, grains, leaves and roots. As an abundant substance in plants, they serve many important functions including regulation of plant development, reproduction, pigmentation, and defence against disease and environmental stressors. In humans, they also have health benefits as they are anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic.
Here we discuss a few vital functions flavonoids contribute to in plants.
Plant fertilisation
Plants have symbiotic relationships with beneficial bacteria such as rhizobia in the soil surrounding roots. Rhizobia infect the roots of legumes to form root nodules. These nodules fix nitrogen gas from the atmosphere and produce a more useful form of nitrogen that is used for the growth of the plant. The secretion of flavonoids from roots plays a key role in triggering these events of mutualism to occur.
Protection
Flavonoids play a role in protecting the plant from stressors. They offer UV protection via their presence as pigments in external layers of the plant. These flavonoids absorb UV radiation to protect internal structures of leaves and stems from damage. They also function to provide a natural barrier against frost and drought, resulting in a more resilient plant or crop. Flavonoids have antibiotic and antifungal properties and are produced in response to pathogen attacks to disrupt pathogen metabolism and cell structure.
Reproduction
Flavonoids are responsible for the colour and aroma in flowers and fruits. This attracts pollinators, such as bees, consequently aiding in seed and spore germination and the development of seedlings.
Flavonoids used in CropBioLife are sprayed onto foliage and enter the leaf structure through the stomata. Once in the plant, they trigger biosynthetic processes that boost the overall health of the plant and stimulate existing flavonoids. As a result, plants efficiently use nutrients and have enhanced resistance to stressors. This improves colour, root health and nodulation, soil biology, and increases BRIX levels. Plants have improved resistance to UV-B and drought stress. Plant and soil health are essential for a nutrient-rich, plentiful crop.
About CropBioLife
CropBioLife supports your goals in switching to regenerative farming practices.
CropBioLife is an Australian Made and Owned organic solution that supports long-term plant and soil health. It is our mission to disrupt the agriculture industry with a sustainable solution to improve plant and soil health. CropBioLife is proud to support the transition to organic and chemical-free farming across the globe for more than 20 years.