Mar 12, 2018

Kemin Crop Technologies launches soil amendment Valena

Des Moines, Iowa-based Kemin Crop Technologies, an initiative of Kemin Industries focused on providing solutions for commercial horticulture, today launched a new product, Valena, a soil amendment sourced from a proprietary strain of Euglena gracilis (algae) rich in beta-glucan.

Valena is designed to support the growth of healthy and strong plants from day one.

“Valena is the first product in our Crop Health platform. As a new supplier in the horticulture industry, we want to offer unique and innovative solutions for growers,” said Marsha Bro, General Manager for Kemin Crop Technologies.

Valena consists of more than 50 percent beta-glucans and more than 20 percent protein and other essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Beta-glucans can be found in many sources, but the unique and highly pure form of 1,3 beta-glucan from Euglena is the only one of its kind.

By adding Valena in the growing environment, the plant perceiving it as a pathological encounter acting as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), responds to counteract a potential threat. This results in more efficient nutrient uptake and robust growth that the plant does naturally on its own.

“This is a new and exciting product that can help growers give their soil and subsequent crops an added advantage,” said Emily Fuerst, R&D Director. “In Kemin greenhouse trials we have seen significant improvement in crops for select spring annual plants, as well as vegetables.” Future studies are in progress to determine how Valena can assist during environmental stresses and impact crop shelf life, as well as its overall quality characteristics.”

Valena is available in the United States through Kemin Sales Managers. To learn more about Valena, click here.