Just under two years after its introduction, the first trials with B-Mox® technology, the improved priming in combination with optimal coating, have been completed. The results are extremely positive: B-Mox® came out on top in every test.
To produce a healthy, uniform crop it is important that young plants get a strong start. That is why researchers and specialists at Bejo have developed the innovative B-Mox® seed enhancing technology. B-Mox® enhances the power of the seed, stimulating its growth at the earliest stage and improving the vigour of the plant.
Throughout the growing period, plants demonstrate improved stress tolerance and better overall health as a result of a more fully developed root system. This provides the grower with reduced risks during the vulnerable early growth phase of the plant, more stress tolerant plants, and higher yields.
Two field trials
De Groot en Slot (DGS) conducted several field trials themselves to highlight the differences. One trial was done in the southwest of the Netherlands. A second trial took place in North Holland. The trial in the southwest was conducted in a Hyfive B-Mox® plot, in which two rows were co-sown with Hyfive BC (basic coat) in a number of beds. The trial in North Holland was conducted in a field plot of Hypark.
The onions in the southwest were sown on May 1st, 2024. Despite the already slightly higher soil temperature where seeds germinate and grow away faster, the differences at emergence were clearly visible. Whereas on May 15 the rows at B-Mox® were already clearly visible, this was not yet the case with BC seed. Here, too, some onion plants were already above, but clearly much more irregular.
North Holland difference BC/B-Max® 30 April (sown on 15 April)
North Holland difference BC/B-Max® 14 May (sown on 15 April)
A similar difference was also seen in North Holland. At this location, onions could be sown a bit earlier, on April 15th, 2024. Two weeks later, the B-Mox® seeds had almost 100 per cent emergence, while with the BC seeds, the first plants had only just come up. One month after sowing, the first pipe in the B-Mox® seeds was almost everywhere (1-3 cm), while in the BC seeds the stage varied from end cram to flag leaf and beginning of first pipe stage.
DGS notes that growers are increasingly convinced of the added value of B-Mox® priming. Challenges such as (soil) crusting and bean and onion fly damage are more the rule than the exception in spring. A grower wants to get through that critical phase quickly. B-Mox® priming can help with that.
Tom Langenberg, account manager at DGS, was closely involved in the trials with B-Mox® and is positive about the results. "In the multi-year trials with B-Mox®, I have seen successful results. In the test fields, we compared different technologies. During the independent sight assessments, B-Mox® came out positively every time."
More and more growers are convinced of the added value of B-Mox®.
