Corn in the spring. (BlackburnNews.com stock photo by Ray Baynton)Corn in the spring. (BlackburnNews.com stock photo by Ray Baynton)
Sarnia

Canadian Microbial Tech Company Has New Approach To Inoculants

A Canadian Microbial Tech company is taking a new approach to inoculation.

Winnipeg-based XiteBio has created a liquid inoculant dubbed AGPT, Advanced Growth Promoting Technology.

President and CEO Dr. Manas Banerjee says traditionally inoculants have had mixed results, as they compete with other microflora in the ground.

Working with a dozen Universities, XiteBio has created a formula which they say works in synergy with the natural micoflora in the soil.

Dr. Banerjee points out it's easier to shake hands than it is to fight.

He admits AGPT doesn't always have the top results, but he notes it's far more consistent than traditional inoculants.

The CEO feels that's what growers are looking for, rather than taking a win-some, lose-some approach.

XiteBio says it's also working on getting approval for Yield+, a phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria.

Dr. Banerjee notes its best selling feature is its ability to be mixed as an in-furrow liquid while planting or as a tank mix with herbicide for post-emergent applications.

He says once Yield+ has finalized CFIA approval, it'll be ready for market across Canada.

With the recent Monsanto takeover by Bayer, Banerjee points out innovation is the best way for XiteBio and other Canadian ag businesses to stay relevant.

XiteBio recently won the 2016 Global Health and Pharma's International Life Sciences Award for Most Dynamic Microbial Tech Company.

=== Dr. Banerjee points out it's easier to shake hands than it is to fight.

[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/manas1.mp3"][/audio]

=== Dr. Banerjee notes its best selling feature is its flexibility.

[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/manas2.mp3"][/audio]

=== The CEO feels that's what growers are looking for, rather than taking a win-some, lose-some approach.

[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/manas3.mp3"][/audio]

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