Kiwi-born farmer, Ian Rew, has launched a new ground-breaking, BioGro certified organic chitin-based product for growers in New Zealand, named Flamingro, which has been proven to increase plant root mass and shoot growth by 26%.
Chitin (pronounced KAI-TIN), a natural chain of glucose molecules that are structurally related to cellulose, is normally found in the shells of crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and insects.
Backed by 30 years of extensive research, development, testing and real-world use from his previous business in the US, Ian has redeveloped his original formulation specifically for New Zealand conditions.
“The product’s name, Flamingro, is inspired by the fact that a diet rich in chitin is what gives the flamingo bird its beautiful pink colour. The “gro” part refers to the increased plant shoot and root growth Flamingro promotes,” explains Ian.
The new formulation is comprised of not less than 21% Chitin (Poly N Acetyl D Glucosamine) Humic and Fulvic Acids. During development, Ian’s new formulation went through extensive and successful testing at Ag Research Hamilton and Plant and Food Research Lincoln.
In the 2017 AgResearch trials, during a 9-week glasshouse pot experiment of white clover seedlings, it was here that Flamingro was found to increase clover root mass and shoot growth by 26%.
Flamingro induces and enhances the natural defensive mechanisms in plants by increasing local endophyte numbers in the soil. They enter the root system and create a barrier effect, where they prevent pathogenic microorganisms from attacking the roots and spreading disease.
The endophytes stop the pathogenic microorganisms, giving the plants’ roots a chance to thrive and grow a much bigger root mass, creating larger, healthier plants.
Roots of Success
It was in 1992, while living in the US, that Ian discovered that chitin was playing a role as a plant growth regulator by bolstering plant defences against disease. He developed a commercial product from the chitin, and after sharing the product with a few of his contacts – who also experienced notable improvements in their plant health and growth – it didn’t take long for word to get around about Ian’s product and his business in the US became a huge success.
Ian currently has several growers carrying out free trials – ranging from vineyards in the Marlborough region, through to kiwifruit growers and dairy farmers in the Bay of Plenty. Although trials are primarily run on established trees and vines over one to two years, Flamingro would also work well for farmers who are looking to improve the quality of their pasture.
Ian’s confident that once growers try it, they will see the benefits.
“Once a grower experiences our product, they recognise its value. As a farmer myself, I understand the skepticism – if someone’s selling me a product, I need to see it deliver results. Show me it works, and you’ve earned my trust – and my business.”
For further information on how Flamingro works please visit the website: www.flamingro.nz. You can also sign up for a free 30-minute consultation with Ian to get personalised advice on how to enhance root health, improve soil vitality, and boost crop yields sustainably at www.flamingro.nz/free-consultation/.
