Corteva’s Utrisha N is available in Australia to effectively increase field crop yields

Corteva’s unique biostimulant Utrisha® N will be available on the Australian market from May 2024. Numerous trials conducted across the country have shown that the product can supplement nitrogen sources for crops throughout the growing season, increasing the yield of many crops such as wheat and rape.

Utrisha N contains natural methylbacterium, which can live symbiotically with plants in their bodies, converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium available to plants. Utrisha N can colonize plants within three days after spraying on the foliage (depending on temperature and crop type). This conversion process does not consume plant energy, and a single application can work throughout the growing season.

Dan Cornally, Plant health manager at Corteva, noted that Utrisha N is the result of years of research and development. The products meet Corteva’s stringent development standards and are brought to market after being validated by numerous field trials locally and around the world. He says the early use of Utrisha N and the availability of nitrogen during the crop life cycle helps growers withstand non-seasonal impacts. If growers use Utrisha N early, at least part of their topdressing needs will be met. If the growing season becomes too wet or dry, or if fertilizer utilization is affected, Utrisha N will enter the crop and provide a certain level of nitrogen.

According to Corteva, field trials of the product were conducted in 2023 in the Australian states of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland. Wheat trials conducted by Cummins Ag in South Australia showed that Utrisha N's contribution to yield was equivalent to applying about 30 kg of nitrogen fertilizer per hectare. Trials conducted by Cummins Ag in oilseed rape have yielded similar results. This suggests that Utrisha N can effectively replace conventional fertilizers.

The product also provides flexibility for planting management. Utrisha N is applied early in the crop so that bacteria have enough time to colonize the plant and provide nitrogen. Utrisha N can be mixed with a variety of agricultural inputs, making it easy to integrate the product into crop planning. The grower can then precisely plan the remaining nutrients for the crop to maximize yield and quality.

In addition, the company has ongoing environmental programs that reward growers who reduce inputs and/or improve sustainability. Utrisha N can play a useful role in these programmes. Corteva will continue to work with growers to help them meet their sustainability goals and understand if this is the appropriate way for them to use the product.