Valena™ - Sustainable Soil Amendment

Unique Sustainable Material

• Derived from Kemin’s proprietary strain of unicellular Euglena gracilis algae
• In-house production: E. gracilis fermented under a controlled environment to produce up to 50% paramylon
• Paramylon: unique carbohydrate storage molecule made of pure 1,3-ß-glucan.

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Carbohydrate ≥50%
• Crude Protein ≥20%
• Total Nitrogen (N) ≥2%
• Total Phosphorus (P2O5) ≥1%
• Total Potassium (K2O) ≥0.2%

Key Benefits

Growing Media For Greenhouse Production

Valena is also for soil manufacturers seeking a first-class ingredient to include in their professional mixes when preparing growing media for greenhouse crops.

Smart Mode of Action

As Valena breaks down in the soil it releases a unique 1,3-ß-glucan that improves soil characteristics allowing for better plant root development and nutrient uptake that are favorable to plant growth. How? Substances like Valena are viewed as a Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) by Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs)^1-4 present naturally in plant cells, meaning that the presence of Valena in the soil can be mistaken for pathogens. Plants normally increase nutrient uptake to fight off potential pathogens. However, when there is an increase in nutrient uptake with no real pathogenic threat, it means the soil was optimized for the best possible nutritional uptake by the plant.^5-7

Directions for Use - Nutritional Program

Dry granular powder form, easy to incorporate into your growing media at the beginning of a plant’s life cycle:

6-week Plug Trial on Vinca

The objective of the plug trial was to show the effect of Valena incorporated into the soil related to vinca plant growth. Plant growth was evaluated looking at different parameters standard to growers such as: plug stem height, plug lateral stem height, plant’s wet weight, plant’s dry weight, and plug root score. To determine and recommend the best application rate and method for growers, we performed the study at two application levels and applied Valena as either a top dress or incorporated into the soil.

Both application methods, soil incorporated or top dress, showed enhanced plug growth measured by stem height.  One top dressing application of Valena at 3 g/L on vinca plugs increased dry weight biomass significantly with an average of  +75%  compared to untreated plugs: the heavier a plant is by dry weight, the more biomass the plant has, and represents an indicator of a thriving and healthy plant. 

The overall increase in each parameter indicates that amending the soil with Valena, a rich source of 1,3-ß-glucan, can help growers prime the soil to encourage efficient nutrient uptake for optimal plant growth of seedlings.

Literature Download

• Valena_SafetyDataSheet
• Valena_SpecificationSheet
• Valena_Label
• Valena Brochure
• Valena Flyer
• Technical Literature - Valena Efficacy - Plug Trial
• Technical Literature - Valena Efficacy - Beefsteak Tomato Greenhouse Trial
• Technical Literature - Valena Efficacy - Field-Grown Tomato Trial
• Valena - Crop Sheet - Hop
• Valena - Crop Sheet - Grape Tomato
• Valena - Crop Sheet - Strawberry 

Question? Ask us!

^{Valena is currently registered, or otherwise authorized for sale, in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Washington. Other registrations have been submitted and are under review. Please contact us to discuss registration in your specific state.}

^{Certain statements may not be applicable in all geographic regions. Product labeling and associated claims may differ based upon regulatory requirements. Consult with your regulatory representative for specific applications and labeling.}

References:

1. Bittel, P. and S. Robatzek (2007). Microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) probe plant immunity. Current Opinion in Plant Biology, 10:335-341.

2. Bigeard, J., Colcombet, J., and H. Hirt (2015). Signaling mechanisms in pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). Molecular Plant, 8:521-539.

3. Burketova, L., Trda, L., Ott, P., and O. Valentova (2015). Bio-based resistance inducers for sustainable plant protection against pathogens. Biotechnology Advances, 33:994-1004.

4. Balmer, A., Pastor, V., Gamir, J., Flors, V., and B. Mauch-Mani (2015). The ‘prime-ome’: towards a holistic approach to priming. Trends in Plant Science. 20:443-452.

5. Schmidt, W. and J. Ebel (1987). Specific binding of a fungal glucan phytoalexin elicitor to membrane fractions from soybean Glycine max. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 84:4117-4121.

6. Cosio, E., Frey, T., Verduyn, R., van Boom, J., and J. Ebel (1990). High-affinity binding of a synthetic heptaglucoside and fungal glucan phytoalexin elicitors to soybean membranes, FEBS Lett. 271:223-226.

7. Cheong, J. and M. Hahn (1991). A specific, high-affinity binding site for the hepta-beta-glucoside elicitor exists in soybean membranes. Plant Cell 3:137-147.