Exciting news for hydroponic growers! A recent trial evaluating KLabs’ new hydroponic formulation, BOUNTIFUL (PepTex-Plus), has delivered remarkable results in enhancing lettuce growth and yield. The study focused on Romaine lettuce grown in a hydroponic system, where BOUNTIFUL was added weekly to the Holland Secret Nutrient Solution (HSHNS) following the standard nutrient program. For comparison, our soil based formula THRIVE was added to a separate grow tower with the HSHNS. Each treatment included 80 plants, and nutrient solutions were refreshed weekly. After six weeks, researchers recorded growth and yield data—and the results were outstanding! Key Findings: ✅ 78% Increase in Yield – Lettuce treated with 1 mL of BOUNTIFUL per liter of HSHNS significantly outperformed those grown with HSHNS alone. Approximately one cup of BOUNTIFUL was added to the mix over the duration of the trial with a market value of approx $4 CAD. ✅ Enhanced Leaf Greenness – The SPAD index, an indicator of chlorophyll content and plant health, showed a noticeable increase, confirming improved leaf quality. These findings highlight BOUNTIFUL as a powerful biostimulant for boosting hydroponic crop production. Karyotica will be conducting several trials and third party validations over the coming months. Stay tuned for more updates and application insights. 🚀🌱 Control = Holland Secret Hydroponics nutrient solution basic program (HSHNSBP); PepTex-plus A = HSHNSBP + 1mL/L of PepTex-plus; PepTex-plus B = HSHNSBP + 0.5mL/L of PepTex-plus.
Karyotica Labs Award Recipient!
I’m excited to share that Karyotica Labs has been selected for funding through the Accelerate Program by Invest Nova Scotia! Along with nine other startups, we will participate in a cohort this winter, aimed at helping us bring our products to market. You can read more about the announcement https://lnkd.in/g7CBKbPX . Karyotica Labs, based in Nova Scotia, is focused on transforming agriculture and aquaculturewastes into powerful bio-stimulants using microbial fermentation. Our flagship product, THRIVE,a highly effective biostimulant derived from agricultural byproduct, is slated to launch in Q2 of2025. After several years of research, trials of our biostimulants on various crops have consistentlyshown excellent results, including a 30% reduction in synthetic fertilizer usage and a 22%increase in yields. (See the attached image of our tomato plant trials below) THRIVE has emerged as the most effective among the many biostimulants currently available.While conventional biostimulants like humic acid have limited capacity to promote plant growthand soil health, THRIVE offers superior nutrient uptake without any toxicity. Additionally, itsability to accelerate plant growth supports greater carbon sequestration, as demonstrated inprevious trials with industrial hemp farms. Our innovative technology harnesses industrial enzymes and beneficial microbes to quicklyconvert organic waste into nutrient-rich solutions with high biostimulant activity. Microbialfermented metabolites have gained significant attention in agriculture due to their ability toenhance plant health, increase growth, and improve crop nutrition.Karyotica Labs continues to advance in developing new biostimulants that add value whilereducing agricultural waste. For more information, please visit www.karyotica.ca or contact us atkaryoticalabs@gmail.com hashtag#gardening, hashtag#greenhouse, hashtag#agriculture,hashtag#sustainability, hashtag#novascotia, hashtag#investnovascotia. Aaron DublenkoCEO
Advancing Resiliency in Industrial Hemp: Research Update
Exciting news! Our collaborative project between Dalhousie University and Fiber Source Processing Inc. has secured a $25,000 grant from Invest Nova Scotia to enhance industrial hemp’s resilience to abiotic stresses, particularly soil moisture fluctuations. Preliminary results from the study led by Prof. Lord Abbey and Dr. Peter Amoako Ofori reveal fascinating insights into hemp’s adaptability. While hemp is generally considered resilient, its response to extreme weather events and changing climate patterns varies significantly. Different water stresses, including continuous flooding, continuous drought, and rehydration, affect fibre production in unique ways (Figure 1). Hemp varieties show diverse responses, suggesting potential for developing adaptable cultivars for various climates and regions. This research is crucial as we seek to address climate change and expand hemp cultivation. By bridging academic insights with practical applications, we are unlocking hemp’s full potential as a resilient and sustainable crop. Stay tuned for an upcoming scientific paper that will delve deeper into this exciting study. We will incorporate an organic plant-based biostimulant called PepStim-H (THRIVE), developed by Karyotica Labs. This product increases the rate of growth and resiliency to abiotic conditions while enhancing carbon sequestration. Together, we are pioneering climate-smart agriculture and building a more sustainable future through industrial hemp research.
Hemp Carbon Sequestration Study Results
The Environmental Impact of Solar Energy Hemp Carbon Standards (HCS) conducted a study in 2023 to showcase the efficacy of industrial hemp in carbon sequestration through a detailed monitoring and verification process using the CarbonSpace digital Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) tool. The HCS quantification model uses flux towers, satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, and a proprietary algorithm. Control Union conducts third-party verification of these processes. This initiative spanned 1509.1 hectares across 15 sites in the U.K., USA, Canada, Ukraine, and Spain. Farmers and hemp processors were both involved in the program, with different cultivation practices based on regional differences in soil types, climate, and farming methods. The total Net Carbon Sequestration was -9194 tCO2 from January to November 2023, with CO2 intensity averaging 6.1 tCO2 per hectare (2.47 tCO2 per acre). The results demonstrated high sequestration efficiency per unit area. Fiber Source Processing achieved the Top Performing Site with 10.4 tCO2 per hectare (4.21 tCO2 per acre) in our north-central Nova Scotia fields, showcasing exceptional sequestration. These study-leading results were the culmination of two years of working with local farmers, deploying agronomists specialized in hemp, consulting with seed suppliers, collaborating with NS and NB Ministry of Agriculture specialists, and working with Dalhousie University researchers. While we are celebrating this success, the variations in sequestration have generated many new research questions. Most notably, the effect of biostimulants on hemp seed to boost growth. Researchers applied PepStim-H (THRIVE), a liquid formulation made from valorizing soy meal with enzymatic and microbial fermentation, to seed and then foliar applications bi-weekly. The treated plants emerged from the soil in three days, and the rapid growth is credited with the increase in carbon sequestration in the controlled plots. Fiber Source’s team is committed to conducting further studies on the role of regional differences in hemp’s capacity to remove and store CO2. Our 2024 study has begun in western New Brunswick in partnership with Global Hemp Group, a public company focused on the development of industrial hemp products.
Biostimulant Unleashes Transformational Plant Growth!
Fiber Source funded research on enhancing the growth of hemp in two controlled studies involving greenhouse and farm field trials. Our research team has developed a biostimulant with a high concentration of Free Amino Acids and Functional Peptides (FAPS) from non-GMO soy, that was applied to 8 varietals in differing concentrations. The results were exceptional with increased rates of germination and growth. The emergence of different hemp seeds was observed between 2.5–3 days instead of the average 6–7 days. Hemp plants grew quicker, forming a canopy which helped mitigate weed pressure. The use of fertilizers was reduced by 50% in these studies, resulting in overall biomass similar to or better than conventional hemp cultivation (note the lushness of the hemp plants in the field compared to hemp plants without biostimulant applications). The researchers also conducted several trials on indoor vegetable crops. The biostimulant consistently improves plant growth and supports important phases of plant growth, development, flowering, and fruit enlargement while reducing the use of fertilizers. Current farming practices require a significant amount of fertilizer and pesticide applications to sustain yields. The economic, environmental, and social costs are not sustainable. Our goal is to improve plant and food production in environmentally beneficial ways while lowering the costs of farming! Stay tuned as Fiber Source and partners bring you more exciting research updates with widespread applications for the agricultural and horticultural industries. Images taken the same day: Conventional “control” hemp production (left-hand side) is less than half the growth of hemp plants with biostimulant applications (right-hand side), below – lushness of hemp test plots with applied biostimulant.
Empowering Growth: Sustainable Biotechnology for Horticulture & Agriculture!
We’re thrilled to introduce Karyotica Labs—a pioneering venture committed to transforming agriculture and horticulture with sustainable biotechnologies! At Karyotica, we focus on converting organic waste streams into powerful biostimulants, like our flagship product, PepStim-H. Made through enzymatic and microbial fermentation, our products boost yields, reduce the need for conventional fertilizers, and optimize water usage—empowering growers to achieve more with less. Currently serving North American markets with ON-STIM, soy amino acids representing 14-0-0, and serving Ohio, United States, with PepStim-H and PepTex—liquid formulations of highly concentrated biostimulants. We are currently offering samples for testing in greenhouse operations based on regional registrations! For more information, contact Aaron Dublenko at aaron@fibersource.ca. Join us on our journey to create a greener, more productive future for agriculture! Let’s cultivate sustainability together.
Unlock the Future of Turf Care with Vita-Turf by Karyotica Labs
At Karyotica Labs, we are committed to redefining turf care through innovation and sustainability. Our latest breakthrough, Vita-Turf, is a novel organic-based biostimulant designed to enhance plant health, improve root and shoot growth, and boost stress tolerance—beyond the capabilities of essential nutrients alone. Derived from the enzymatic digest of non-GMO soybeans and kelp extracts, Vita-Turf is a game-changer for turfgrass management. What Makes Vita-Turf Unique? Vita-Turf stands out due to its unique formulation, which includes: Over 20 biologically active free amino acids and peptides that are readily absorbed by plants. A broader amino acid profile that promotes healthy growth, stress resistance, and overall plant vitality. Minimal salt and heavy metal content to ensure safety for plants and the environment. No phytotoxic substances, making it safe and effective for consistent use. How Vita-Turf Benefits Turfgrass Vita-Turf is specially designed to provide a range of benefits that make it an essential addition to any turf care regimen: Plant Growth Management The slow-release formulation of Vita-Turf ensures balanced nutrient delivery, promoting slower and more manageable turfgrass growth, meaning: Reduced mowing frequency. Lower water usage. Decreased fertilizer applications. Enhanced Nutrient Uptake By improving nutrient uptake efficiency, Vita-Turf ensures that turfgrass effectively absorbs essential nutrients, reducing the dependence on synthetic fertilizers while supporting optimal growth. Stress Tolerance Vita-Turf strengthens turfgrass to withstand environmental stresses such as: Drought Heat Salinity Deeper Root Development Regular application of Vita-Turf promotes deeper, more extensive root systems, ensuring resilience and better water and nutrient absorption even in challenging conditions. Improved Soil Health Vita-Turf enhances soil structure and microbial activity, creating a favorable environment for turfgrass growth while improving long-term soil health. Sustainable Innovation for the Future Vita-Turf is more than just a product—it’s a commitment to sustainable turf care. By reducing reliance on conventional fertilizers and optimizing resource use, we’re helping growers achieve healthier, more resilient turfgrass with a lower environmental impact. Stay Tuned for More! At Karyotica Labs, we’re continuously working to bring you innovative, eco-friendly solutions. Stay tuned for more exciting product launches in the near future! Discover how Vita-Turf can transform your turf care strategy. Contact us today to learn more!