Employ Boosts Crop Defenses Through Agricultural Biologicals to Help Plants Flourish
- Employ® is an agricultural biological that supports plant growth and crop resilience
- Employ provides nematode control benefits while improving root development and plant performance
- Employ helps crops better manage abiotic stress and biotic stress throughout the growing season
- Improved photosynthesis and root development can support greater yield potential and fruit quality
For growers seeking to give crops an edge over challenges like nematodes, environmental stress, or other factors, Employ® is an agricultural biological that supports plant growth, nematode control, and overall crop resilience.
This biochemical plant health promoter activates plant growth and pathogen defense pathways, helping crops respond to abiotic stress, biotic stress, and nematode pressure while improving overall yield potential.
“Employ initiates a systemic acquired resistance (SAR) response, stimulating the plant’s growth and stress defense mechanisms,” explains S. Kaan Kurtural, Ph.D., Senior Agronomy Information Technology Manager for Wilbur-Ellis. “This action enhances root development, reduces abiotic stress and biotic stress, supports nematode control, and increases yield potential.”
How Agriculture Biologicals Improve Root Development and Plant Defense
Employ features a blend of four second-generation harpin proteins. Harpin proteins are naturally occurring and function to warn plants of pathogen attack. Harpin ∂ß supports nematode control, resulting in enhanced root development that promotes stronger plant growth.
When applied to plants, these proteins mimic a pathogen attack, triggering the plant to activate pathogenesis-related genes and produce protective compounds to ward off challenges. As a result, plants become more resilient to pathogens and environmental conditions like heat stress.
Plants also benefit from improved photosynthesis, which supports stronger root development and crop productivity.
For tree and vine crops, this means increased sugar production, leading to larger fruit, enhanced coloring, and uniform ripening. For row crops and vegetables, this results in greater yield potential.
Fruit Quality Benefits From Agriculture Biologicals
For cherry and apple charts: Employ positively affected cherry fruit size and apple color in trials against untreated checks.
What Can Growers Expect From Employ Agriculture Biologicals?
• Improved root development
Employ strengthens plant roots with more mass, improving their ability to absorb water and nutrients—enhancing overall plant health and resilience.
• Reduced abiotic and biotic stress
Crops treated with Employ have greater resistance to environmental and pest-related stressors. Stronger root systems and enhanced stress responses support plants’ ability to withstand challenges without sacrificing yield or quality.
• Increased photosynthesis
Employ enhances photosynthesis, leading to better sugar production in plants. Replicated trials indicate Employ improved photosynthetic capacity by about 40%, leading to better plant growth and productivity.
• Nematode control
While not a nematicide, Employ effectively suppresses root-harming nematodes. Trials indicated the inclusion of Employ slowed the rate at which the nematode population increased.
• Improved fruit quality
Trials indicate about a 10% increase in sugar accumulation in berries treated with Employ, leading to sweeter, more marketable fruit.
• Tank mix compatibility
Employ is a cost-effective, flexible tank mix partner with no active ingredient restrictions, allowing for seamless integration into existing crop protection programs and other agricultural biologicals.
“Employ fits well within an integrated pest management program and broader agriculture biologicals strategy,” says Kurtural. “It’s compatible with most products and provides growers with many agronomic benefits that can lead to a strong return on investment.”
To learn more about Employ, visit your local Wilbur-Ellis retailer or go to https://wilburellisag.com/employ. In California, Employ is only labeled for nematode suppression.
For information only. Not a label. Prior to use, always read and follow product label directions.