What is chitosan, the active ingredient in SoftGuard?
Chitosan is produced from chitin, mainly from the chitinous shells of shellfish and crustaceans. Chitin is the second most abundant organic molecule on earth after cellulose. Cellulose is the skeleton of plants, while chitin is the skeleton of bacteria, fungi and insects. In 2014, the EU approved chitosan as an active substance to enhance plant resistance.
What does SoftGuard contain?
- It contains 20 g/l of chitosan, as well as macro nutrients, which are of organic origin, meaning SoftGuard can be used in organic farming.
- SoftGuard is listed by ECOCERt in Switzerland, which certifies that it can be used in organic farming.
- It also contains 20 g/l potassium.
- In addition, the product contains at least 50 g of organic matter per litre.
How does SoftGuard work?
- It increases the metabolic processes of the plant, e.g. photosynthesis, nutrient uptake.
- It activates the plant's defence genes.
- It makes the cell wall of chitin-based organisms (bacteria, fungi and insects) permeable.
- Can be applied in combination with plant protection products, it may enhance their efficacy.
- Increases the effectiveness of foliar fertilisers by increasing their uptake.
What are the positive effects of SoftGuard?
- It strengthens the plant's immune system, making it easier to fight off pathogens.
- It accelerates the healing of wounds.
- Increases colouration.
- It is also a source of nutrients (complex sugars) for the plant, increasing its yield.
How does chitosan boost the immune system?
- Since chitin is associated with bacteria, fungi and insects, it is perceived by the plant as a foreign organism, i.e. an attack.
- Chitosan therefore enhances the plant's defence system. This means that it activates dormant genes on the chromosome that are only needed in this specific "fighting" situation.
- A similar immune response is triggered by the Trichoderma or Micorrhiza fungi from the plant.
- Chitosan is an organic molecule, built up from the "LEGO" element of glucose produced during photosynthesis in the same way as almost everything else in the living world, and is therefore a useful nutrient for the plant.
Composition:
chitosan 20g/l
nitrogen 50g/l
phosphorus 40g/l
potassium 20g/l
organic matter 50g/l
Bactericidal, fungicidal and insecticidal, but not pesticidal. It can be used in organic farming and has an ideal pH of 4-5.
