Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, now offers Valena™ FLOW, a breakthrough foliar nutrition solution designed to elevate crop performance through enhanced nutrient uptake, improved plant vigor, and measurable yield increases, for growers in the United States.
Valena FLOW is a liquid suspension for foliar use, combining 1,3-β-glucan from Kemin’s proprietary Euglena gracilis strain of microalgae and zinc oxide. Kemin extracts the beta-glucan molecules at its Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. facility, maintaining strict purity standards for all applications.
To promote strong growth and increase yields, Valena FLOW’s unique formulation is intended for use at the beginning of the growing season, once the plant has produced two to four true leaves, through the start of harvest. Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) on plant tissue surfaces recognize 1,3-beta-glucan, activating physiological responses that improve nutrient uptake, root growth, biomass, and yield.
“We’ve tested Valena FLOW across a wide range of crops, regions, and growing conditions, and the results speak for themselves,” said Bridget Hatfield, Ph.D., Technical Services Manager, Kemin Crop Technologies. “From tomatoes in Florida to apples and hops in Washington, to grapes, peppers, and strawberries in California, Valena FLOW consistently improves fruit count, canopy density, vigor and overall crop quality.”
“In peppers, we saw a 27% increase in crop yield and, in tomatoes, significantly higher NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) scores. We’ve seen consistent crop responses following the application of Valena FLOW; it’s a powerful tool for growers looking to increase plant health, yield, and quality.”
Valena FLOW builds on the success of Kemin Crop Technologies’ original dry Valena™ formulation, developed to prime soil for optimal plant growth. Reformulated as a flowable suspension, Valena FLOW offers growers a more functional, easy-to-use solution that integrates seamlessly into foliar nutritional programs.
“At Kemin, we’ve long believed in the power of this molecule,” said Emily Fuerst, R&D Director, Kemin Crop Technologies. “Valena FLOW represents our next step in exploring 1,3-beta glucan benefits for specialty crops and ornamentals. Its impact on plant health and productivity is evident, so we needed to ensure that we could deliver it in a more useable form for growers. We’re excited to bring this innovation to the nutritional agriculture market and help growers achieve more resilient, productive plants.”
Valena FLOW is suitable for a wide range of crops, including berries, tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, citrus, tree fruits, nuts, hops, and greenhouse ornamentals. It is available in multiple states but not approved for use in organic production. Contact a local Kemin representative for more information.