For growers seeking to give crops an edge over challenges like nematodes, environmental stress, or other factors, Employ® plant health promoter is a valuable addition to their toolbox.
This biochemical plant health promoter activates plant growth and pathogen defense pathways, which can lead to improved overall yields for crops such as tree fruits, grapes and vines, vegetables, and row crops.
“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 and biotic stress, helps suppress nematodes and increases yield potential.”
How does it work?
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 suppresses nematodes, which results in enhanced root development that boosts 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. 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.
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?
• 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 SUPPRESSION
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 COMPATABILITY
Employ is a cost-effective, flexible tank mix partner with no active ingredient restrictions allowing for seamless integration into existing crop protection programs.
“Employ fits well within an integrated pest management program,” 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.
