As global demand for food continues to rise — driven by population growth and changing dietary habits — the options for converting more land to agricultural use are steadily decreasing.
The only alternative is intensification of agriculture, which can be achieved through the optimization of overall agricultural output and crop productivity (yield per unit of land) (European Commission Yield Gaps – JRC).
Yield gap: The yield gap is the difference between the yield of an ideally adapted variety (genotype) under optimal crop management conditions (soil, climate, nutrition/fertilization, and crop protection) and the average actual yield achieved by farmers under prevailing management practices (Lobell et al., 2009; van Ittersum et al., 2013; FAO 2015; FAO 2020).
Below is a schematic representation of yield losses and the proportion of their causes. In general, production losses are attributed to biotic stresses (diseases and pests) and abiotic stresses (frost, heat, water stress, high soil salinity, etc.).
Source: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Plants, Buchanan, Gruissem, Jones, American Society of Plant Physiologists, 2000.
From the above, we can conclude the important role of targeted plant nutrition in addressing this challenge — both in increasing actual yields (in terms of quantity and quality) and in reducing losses caused by abiotic stresses.
In this context, in recent years, agrotechnology research has largely focused on the prevention and management of abiotic stress in crops.
A product of BRANDT’s research in this field is InVigo®.
BRANDT InVigo® is a cutting-edge biostimulant that helps maintain optimal levels of proline and glutathione in plants — two compounds that strengthen plants against various types of stress, such as:
- Frost
• Heat and drought conditions
• Water stress
• High salinity
Composition
- Proline: 6%
- Precursor substances that help the plant create a “reserve” of proline and glutathione
- Fe: 2% (BRANDT® Manni-Plex Technology)
- Mn: 0.5% (BRANDT® Manni-Plex Technology)
- Zn: 0.5% (BRANDT® Manni-Plex Technology)
(Schematic representation of the metabolic pathway on which BRANDT InVigo® acts.)
The Role of Proline in Plants
- Strengthens plant cell walls
- Promotes vegetative growth and reduces transplant shock
- Improves plant tolerance to osmotic (frost, heat, drought, salinity) and oxidative stress
- Enhances enzymatic and hormonal activities
- Supports pollen fertility
The Role of Glutathione in Plants
- Improves gene expression for reproduction and cell signaling
- Acts as an osmolyte against drought and salinity
- Aids cell regeneration in cases of damage
- Involved in the metabolism and transport of nutrients (N, S, and C)
- Provides antioxidant protection by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Recommended Application of InVigo®
InVigo® can be applied foliar or through fertigation:
- After transplanting and pruning
- Before, during, and after periods of stress
- Three days after herbicide application
- At growth stages requiring high energy consumption (intense cell division, cell elongation, etc.)
About KNE BRANDT AE
KNE BRANDT AE is a joint venture between the K&N Efthymiadis Group (MAVEE) and the American multinational BRANDT — one of the fastest-growing family-owned agricultural companies in the United States.
The mission of KNE BRANDT is to establish itself as a leading partner in crop nutrition, providing modern, effective nutrition solutions aimed at producing high-quality, safe, and affordable agricultural products.
Remaining at the forefront of technology and innovation — a tradition that places the company at the intersection where high technology and science meet modern agriculture — our goal is to introduce to the Greek market new product technologies and services that improve plant health and support both agronomists and growers in achieving better overall results.
Konstantinos Vogiatzidis
Technical/Marketing – Regulatory Lead