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EcoSeed encapsulation differs radically from seed coatings and tuber treatments. Coatings are a thin layer of material on the surface of the tuber. Aeroponics International ’s process encapsulates the mini tuber inside a rigid elicitor matrix material.

After planting, the EcoSeed absorbs soil moisture and the tuber then sprouts from the encapsulant spreading its root system throughout the matrix. As the plant grows the roots remain in constant contact with elicitors in the matrix thus providing a continuing source of stimulation for the plant's enzyme system. The invading fungus pathogen is inhibited or repelled when it attempts to infect the plant.

Dr. Jim Linden, microbiologist, Colorado State University, received a Colorado Institute for Research in Biotechnology (CIRB) grant to study Aeroponics International's encapsulation technology as an elicitor delivery system. Linden's greenhouse study found that the EcoSeed matrix had no phytotoxic effect on tuber emergence and tuber set.
 
 

1995 CIRB Greenhouse Tuber Number on Russet Burbank EcoSeed
 

Treatments:	Aver. Tuber Number
Control	5.6b
EcoSeed	7.6a

Values followed by different letters are statistically different at P=0.05
 
 

Dr. Linden's laboratory is currently conducting assays to evaluate the influence of encapsulated elicitors on plant enzyme levels. Aeroponics International and Dr. Linden have applied for additional research grants to conduct further greenhouse studies involving controlled pathogen experiments on potatoes.
 
 

Research by Aeroponics International

During 1995 Aeroponics International tested the Ranger Russet EcoSeed in the field to study the effect of encapsulation on Rhizoctonia Stem Cankering. The plot was located at the Colorado State University Horticultural Farm located near Ft. Collins. Data indicates a statistically significant reduction in the percentage of stem area cankered for the encapsulated seedpiece treatments versus non-encapsulated mini tubers.

1995 Aeroponics International field studies of Ranger Russet EcoSeed to control Rhizoctonia Stem Cankering
 

Treatments:	% Stem Cankering
Control	5.51a
EcoSeed	3.20b

Values followed by different letters are statistically different at P=0.05

Important additional research and development efforts are being directed at determining optimum concentration of elicitors in the encapsulant material and studies to further improve the shelf life of encapsulated mini tubers. The selected data included herein point to substantial agreement between Aeroponics International's preliminary results and published research mentioned early.
 
 

Third Party Field Verification

A field plot located in Southern Idaho was sponsored by Aeroponics International in 1995. Mini tubers were encapsulated with elicitors and compared against nonencapsulated mini tubers. Dr. Gary Beaver, Southern Idaho Agricultural Researchers & Consultants, found a statistically significant reduction of Rhizoctonia Stem Cankering.

1995 Field Plot Results by Southern Idaho Agricultural Researchers & Consultants
 

Treatments:	% Stem Cankering
Control	3.07a
EcoSeed	0.39b

Values followed by different letters are statistically different at P=0.01
 
 

1996 Field Plot Results by the University of Wyoming

Dr. Gary D. Franc of University of Wyoming collected data from a similar field study using encapsulated R. Norkotah mini tubers versus nonencapsulated mini tubers in 1996. The data collected by Dr. Franc further indicates statistically significant reduction in Rhizoctonia Stem Cankering.
 

Treatments:	% Stem Cankering
Control	5.4a
EcoSeed	3.2b

Values followed by different letters are statistically different at P=0.05
 

Conclusion:

Dr. Cecil Stushnoff, Director of Biotechnology, Colorado State University who is familiar with the company's efforts, said that "EcoSeed/ODC is revolutionary and has the potential to change the way plants are grown".  Dr. Monty Harrison, Professor Emeritus, CSU, a member of Aeroponics International's science advisory board, has reviewed the data and concurs that EcoSeed technology has great potential value for the potato industry.

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More ODC Data from the Colorado State University

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