Micromix Plant Health Limited Public Funding

"**VISION:** Working with the Sustainable Agriculture Department at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), we intend to map the epigenetic pathways of drought-related abiotic stress in crops and develop the first biostimulant-micronutrient formula to increase drought resistance by 25% -- with the aim of reducing the water consumption (irrigation) required by agriculture without damaging productivity. **BACKGROUND**: The project builds upon the success of Innovate UK project 710633, in which we managed to increase bell pepper (UK's most heat sensitive crop) epigenetic expression to abiotic heat stress - using biostimulants, intermediates for growth and micronutrients. **OBJECTIVES:** Utilising this increased understanding of epigenetics, we intend to extend this abiotic stress response mapping to five indicator crops and develop a novel bio-solution that genetically suppresses a plant's negative responses to reduced soil moisture (drought conditions) and provides the necessary micronutrients to stimulate continued healthy and productive growth under conditions when the plant would normally fail. **FOCUS:** The solution will be targeted at crops with a high water or irrigation requirement such as potatoes, spring wheat, peas, lettuce and pak choi. These crops provide the best indicator crops for a wider range of food crops grown worldwide. Our aim is to reduce the impact of climate change on crops around the world, as water becomes an increasingly scarce resource and growing conditions become hotter and drier in key production areas. We believe this can be achieved using a unique, proprietary combination of mostly natural plant-extracts and substances that are also safe, toxin-free (even when applied multiple times at high rates -Campden BRI 2017) not requiring long term plant breeding programmes or politically unacceptable genetic modification. **INNOVATION:** When developed, we expect this unique new combination of micronutrients and biostimulants to significantly increase a crop's resistance to all forms of abiotic stress and stimulate growth in environments where moisture is limited. Our initial research (from Innovate UK project 710633, and field tests) suggests a 25% reduction in water consumption will be possible, whilst increases in yields (up to 30%), fruit production (40%), shelf life (44%), disease resistance, palatability and mineral content are also achievable. **OUTCOME:** We are at the forefront of biostimulant and micronutrient technology and this project will help us realise a £30m+ global opportunity. Farmers in turn will benefit from reduced crop losses, improved yields, strengthened supply chains, reduced impact of climate change and increased agricultural sustainability, in line with Innovate UK's H&LS aims. ROI: 622%"

Awaiting Public Project Summary

Micromix require funding to prove the concept of alleviating heat stress (HS) in greenhousegrown capsicum peppers by applying biological chemicals. Post-project, results could be extended to a wide variety of crops. For capsicum peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers, temperatures above 24°C slow growth. Above 30°C growth arrest, flower abortion and immature fruit drop occur. Greenhouses can be cooled by shading, which reduces light input and hence productivity. In many countries they are also cooled evaporatively, consuming more water than irrigation. Opening vents cools further, but reduces CO2 levels (and hence photosynthesis) and compromises biosecurity. Thus, it is desirable to deliver technology allowing continued plant growth at higher temperatures. This project aims to prove a non-GM solution, plant growth stimulators to suppress the stress response that normally stops growth at drought or temperature extremes. Co-application with growth intermediates produces a synergistic effect; plants no longer drop fertilised flowers and immature fruit at high temperatures. Cooler night temperatures allow the plant to recover and restart growth next day. To develop our solution, we must first quantify its effect in terms of increased yield and using proven biomarkers of plant stress. Worldwide greenhouse area has roughly doubled since 1970. Hydroponics, artificial growth substrates and internal CO2 elevation allow marginal land to produce a high-value crop. In warmer climates excessive daytime heat limits the growing season to cooler months, with less light and hence lower productivity. This technology will extend the growing season and increase yields in challenging environments, increasing food supply. It will reduce energy usage costs, venting of CO2, water consumption and pesticide use. It will require zero capital expenditure for existing greenhouses, be compatible with basic greenhouses and so highly suited to increasing food production in underdeveloped areas.

Non-scorch foliar Nitrogen fertiliser to reduce pollution and increase efficiency of food production.