September - October 2025
Fyteko – in prime position Founded in Belgium in 2014 by Guillaume Wegria and Dr. Juan Carlos Cabrera, Fyteko, is a pioneering company in the field of agri-biosolutions. Its proprietary technology platform enables the creation of agricultural biomolecules – including biostimulants (foliar spray and seed treatment), herbicide bioenhancers, and biocontrol solutions – that enhance crop performance and resilience, particularly against climate-induced stress like drought or heat.
Unlocking the black box of plant biostimulants ‘Unlocking the black box of plant biostimulants’ is the intriguing title of an editorial in the academic journal Scientia Horticulturae. The paper argues for a shift in how plant biostimulants are characterized and evaluated, and for that shift to better reflect their role as functional tools in broader fertilization strategies. Yield cannot be the only indicator of efficacy is the repeated message. The authors are clear: “…credibility will not come from bold promises, but from transparent, evidence-backed claims that reflect actual agronomic results.” .
Drop Goal Inspired by our water theme for this issue, New AG International looks at a partnership between two Dutch companies – one a provider of agricultural inputs and another being the largest drinking water company in The Netherlands. Their collaboration has produced a fulvic acid product that is extracted during the water purification process.
Elicit Plant targets global growth with breakthrough crop resilience technology As the agriculture sector grapples with climate volatility and mounting water scarcity, ag tech innovator Elicit Plant is positioning itself at the forefront of solutions for broad-acre crops. Leveraging a patented technology based on naturally derived phytosterols, the company has demonstrated the ability to reduce water use by up to 20 percent and increase yields by an average of 10 percent – a proposition that speaks directly to farmers’ profitability as well as global food security. Janet Kanters writes.
Water stress?Next-gen biostimulants offer a lifeline Drought is affecting many more areas than in the past, limiting farmers’ ability to grow productive, healthy crops. However, biostimulants could provide the answer. Specialists with ICL Growing Solutions explain.
Biostimulants NewsSugaROx secures £1 million to accelerate biostimulant field trials / Fyteko and Kwizda Agro collaborate on biostimulant distribution / RLF AgTech signs distribution deal with Nutrien Ag Solutions for Australian market / Wise Equity acquires Alba Milagro through its portfolio company Greenexta
Water, a vital challenge for sustainable agriculture: Éléphant Vert's response
Biocontrol NewsBiocontrol breakthroughs offer hope in fight against Asian longhorned beetle / New Zealand EPA approves biological controls to combat noxious weed
Trailblazer Technologies: Turning polluted water into fertilizer Trailblazer Technologies (Pty) Ltd (TBT) was founded in 2008 by three shareholders who have collectively more than 110 years of experience in the fertilizer industry. Their initial project used pulse combustion technology to produce soluble fertilizers with superior non-caking properties. John Bewsey, Technical Director, Trailblazer Technologies, writes.
Canadian researchers tap into nature to turn dairy wastewater into liquid gold In the face of increasing drought and water shortages, an innovative new research project is tapping into the power of nature to help Canadian dairy farmers treat wastewater and reuse it for crop irrigation. Janet Kanters writes.
Products and Trends News How AI can help protect bees from dangerous parasites / Tackling a $1.2 billion problem for Australian farmers using cheap crushedvolcanic rock
The future of water – Aqualatus from Engage Crop Solutions Aqualatus from Engage Crop Solutions - FIELD TRIALS
U.S. irrigation equipment exports hold strong but face tariff uncertainty The U.S. irrigation equipment industry has long enjoyed a competitive advantage in manufacturing and global exports. But as trade policy continues to shift under the Trump administration, the sector is bracing for potential turbulence from retaliatory tariffs in key markets. Janet Kanters writes.
Salty Soil: Solving a tough irrigation challenge As world population rises, demand for water grows and droughts become more common, the need to boost crop production through innovative approaches is clear. Freelance writer Treena Hein takes a close look at exciting irrigation studies on several species, and also how halophytes fit into the picture
Kleinskuur Aquaponics – a South African pioneer looking to export to the MENA region Founded 10 years ago by husband-and-wife team Colin and Annemarie Bremner, Kleinskuur Aquaponics has developed a robust and scalable aquaponic system, now used throughout Africa. In an exclusive interview with Annemarie Bremner, Luke Hutson writes about their journey into aquaponics, the science behind their unique system, and their plans to expand internationally.
Join IA in New Orleans for 2025 Irrigation Show and Education Week This December, the irrigation industry will come together for the Irrigation Show and Education Week in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Biologicals gain ground in Southern Africa Increasingly stringent regulations on maximum residue levels (MRLs) in export markets is driving growth in biopesticides in Southern Africa. As these prove their worth, the road is being paved for biostimulants and biofertilizers to enter the fore. Freelance writer Lindi Botha reports.
The microscopic power beneath our feet — How soil biology testing is changing farming from the ground up Soil biology has long been the hidden engine of agriculture. Now, thanks to cutting-edge DNA testing developed by Waypoint Analytical, scientists and farmers alike are unlocking a new understanding of the soil microbiome – one that promises smarter nutrient use, improved crop yields, and long-term soil health. Janet Kanters writes.
Wheat roots found to actively shape their microbiomes, offering hope for drought-resilient crops Wheat plants are doing more than just growing – they’re quietly engineering the microscopic ecosystems that live on and within their roots, according to groundbreaking new research that could transform how crops are grown in a changing climate. Janet Kanters writes.
In our November-December issue ofNew AG International, we take a deep dive into the fast evolving world of biological innovation in agriculture. From the growing adoption of bio adjuvants to surprising new frontiers such as sea urchin-derived biostimulants, we highlight the cutting-edge solutions shaping the industry. We also examine how artificial intelligence is transforming biological product development – accelerating R&D cycles, boosting efficacy, and enhancing the commercial viability of biologicals for both developers and farmers. These themes, along with broader insights into the future of sustainable inputs, set the stage for an issue rich in discover and forward-looking perspectives.
