Boost to the roots

Produce Grower: Can you explain the science behind Valena™ FLOW’s active ingredients and how they interact with plant physiology?

Bridget Hatfield: Valena™ FLOW is a novel plant growth technology. There is a zinc guarantee, which is really important for plant photosynthesis — a lot of signaling mechanisms require zinc. It’s not something that’s present in a lot of standard fertilizers.

What’s really innovative about Kemin’s patented 1,3-beta-glucan molecules is that they are similar to molecules on the outside of pathogens’ cells that can trigger receptors on the surface of the plant tissues. Therefore, the presence of Valena™ FLOW on the leaf surface is perceived as a pathogen by the plant. So, when those receptors are triggered — in this case by beta-glucan — it causes the activation of the systemic acquired resistance pathway (the signaling pathway in the plant). It upregulates nutrient acquisition and various systems that are integral to the plant defense response.

When those systems are activated by beta-glucan, it’s going to increase callus deposition in the leaf tissues, as well as the stem. That leads to improved sturdiness of the plant health and vigor. Because it needs nutrients to do callus deposition, the root mass is also going to increase, resulting in better access to nutrients and water.

PG: Can you explain the improvements in yield or root development?

BH: We see improved root scores, which are commonly taken as a measurement of root health and vigor. They are often on a scale of 1 to 5 or 1 to 10, where a higher score is better. With Valena™ FLOW, we see plants with root scores above the negative control very often and across plant varieties.

Our in-house greenhouse trial showed a 20% increase in tomato yield. We will be constantly trialing on new crops.

PG: Are there any compatibility considerations with other inputs like fertilizers, fungicides or irrigation systems?

BH: This needs to be applied through an above-ground irrigation system — it’s a foliar treatment. Those beta-glucan particles are somewhat heavy. It is a suspension, but you need an agitator to run while it’s being applied.

It is compatible with most tank-mix products. If you’re considering a tank mix, we recommend following the most restrictive label language. We know that Valena™ FLOW is compatible with all Kemin Crop Technologies’ products — we’ve tested that in-house and don’t see any phytotoxicity concerns.

With other tank mixes, I would see very limited concerns with other fungicides and insecticides. We recommend a small test plot and a jar test.

It’s very important to apply standard fertilizers either before or after within a short time frame of the application of Valena™ FLOW, so that when the plant requires an increase in nutrients, they’re readily available.

We recommend applying Valena™ FLOW roughly every three weeks and then maintaining your regular fertilizer program throughout that time.

PG: How does Valena™ FLOW support sustainable growing practices in CEA systems?

BH: As far as sustainability on the grower’s side, increasing your nutrient uptake and efficiency, improving your yield, being compatible with most tank mixes, that’s all going to hopefully work toward lowering your labor because there will not be multiple applications due to non-compatibility — also, less emissions due to fewer tractor and equipment uses because of tank mix compatibilities.

Because Valena™ FLOW has a low use rate for a high level of efficacy, overall production, etc., it is more sustainable because large quantity volumes are not required, which would take more energy. Kemin is highly concerned with sustainable practices and implements them whenever possible. They are definitely put into practice in the fermentation and building process of Valena™ FLOW.

PG: How do you see the role of products like Valena™ FLOW evolving in the future of indoor agriculture?

BH: Products like Valena™ FLOW have strong potential in covered agriculture, particularly because they’re designed to support plant health under stress, whether that’s biotic stress from pathogens or abiotic factors like lack of nutrients, humidity swings or limited airflow. The 1,3-ß-glucan in the formulation helps trigger internal defense responses, effectively priming the plant to respond more quickly and robustly when challenged. At the same time, zinc is a key element that supports those signaling pathways and overall metabolic function.

In controlled environments, where precision and plant performance are everything, that dual action makes Valena™ FLOW especially compelling. The space is still emerging, but I see a lot of untapped potential for tools like this to carve out a niche in indoor ag spaces.