GUATEMALA
GroGenesis, a Springville, Tenn., company, makes natural plant growth health technologies. Its first product, called AgraBurst, was field tested at a large farm located in the department of Santa Rosa, just southeast of Guatemala City. A single application of the GroGenesis product showed promising results. The field team noticed visible signs of degradation of the fungal infestation within 24 hours.
According to GroGenesis, AgraBurst is not a fungicide. Rather, it was designed to improve the positive effects of commercial fertilizers and available nutrients.
Randolfo Hernández, the administrator of the plantation, reported, “I did not believe the product would work at first.
After the product was applied to the coffee rust, I came back to the test area four days later and saw fewer spores on the plants. On the tenth day, I went out again; I saw no spores on the treated plants. The scars were still there but the disease was controlled. I also saw a change in the color of the plants, from an orange color to green.”
Joseph Fewer, GroGenesis c.e.o., states, “Preliminary talks have begun with ANACAFE and the Ministry of Agriculture towards the possibility of a regulated and formal large area demonstration in future.”
Learn more: www.grogenesis.com