Bontera
Harnessing the Power of Microbes

Sustained by a rich microbial ecosystem, forests host the earth’s most fertile soil. Natural growth is abundant here, requiring no chemical agents to bolster plant productivity or stave off infections—a testament to the power of biodiversity in maintaining a healthy balance.

Bontera is replicating this in agricultural soil by harnessing the power of microbes. Decades of reliance on chemical fertilizers have taken a toll on farmland, eroding soil biodiversity. Bontera’s innovative bio-agricultural products, are bringing life back to dying soil. The right microbial life holds the potential to jump-start a new ecosystem. Bontera promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices through bio-fertilizers, growth stimulants and bio pesticides comprised of a cocktail of beneficial microbes that restore soil health by improving plant’s systemic resistance.

“We are stewards of the land and with that comes the responsibilities and obligations to our future generations,” says Syed Imam, PhD, Vice President of R&D.

Reducing greenhouse gases and preserving ecosystems are key areas of focus, including training farmers on microbes, their use, benefits and biodiversity. Bontera’s naturally synthesized bio-agricultural products offer a sustainable alternative, improving biodiversity and leaving behind no harmful residue.

Nourishing Plants, from Seed to Harvest

Bontera’s products are designed to meet the specific needs of plants at every growth stage. For instance, for soil low in nitrogen, microbes are added to fix atmospheric nitrogen for plant uptake. During seed germination, which requires specific pH levels in the root zone, microbes like Lactobacillus are employed to maintain low pH levels that support optimal root function.

Microbial products preserve the natural balance, preventing infections and fostering plant growth and soil health. Unlike conventional products, these agents mimic nature and activate defense mechanisms only when target organisms are present, inhibiting harmful incursions by creating environments that challenge them, rather than killing them outright. This approach significantly minimizes environmental impact, as evidenced in the following client engagement.

Citrus greening posed a significant challenge in Mexico, the world’s second-largest citrus producer. Caused by the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter, the disease was expected to result in a loss of $400 million, with no effective chemical pesticides available. At a distributor-organized meeting, Bontera’s representatives met with key officials in the Department of Agriculture to help develop a solution.

Bontera responded by creating a potent blend of natural microbes targeting the bacteria from multiple angles. Thorough testing involved about 20 Mexican growers. Within six weeks, the disease was controlled and trees that were dying began to show new growth. The remarkable results led the Mexican government to initiate larger-scale trials which are ongoing. These studies have implications for the citrus industry worldwide.

Robust R&D is the backbone of this innovation. It began with a cooperative research and development agreement with USDA ARS, leveraging their facilities to incubate initial R&D efforts. It now has facilities at multiple locations around the world, including its own greenhouses and field-testing sites. These include a microbial discovery laboratory in Pakistan and a field trial and greenhouse facility in South Africa. In the U.S., Bontera transitioned from extensive collaboration with USDA to establishing its own R&D facilities in Atlanta and San Francisco, maintaining additional capabilities in Dallas.

The strategic location of these facilities reinforces the company’s commitment to addressing diverse agricultural needs worldwide. Collaborations with third-party organizations like Agrithority and Farmers Business Network, in countries such as Argentina and the U.S., allow it to work with a multitude of farmers who validate its products through independent field trials.

All-Natural Microbial Products

SA-10 is the company’s flagship product, an all-rounder that provides comprehensive support for all stages of plant growth. It contains a blend of five Bacillus strains, two Trichoderma strains and 11- 12 Mycorrhizae species, and can support plant growth from seed germination to harvest. It includes microbes capable of solubilizing phosphate and potassium, enzymes that convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, natural stimulants, bio stimulants and hormones for optimal plant growth. Other targeted solutions include nematode control products, phosphate solubilizing agents, a Trichoderma-based formulation, Tricho-Power and a nitrogen-fixing product, NitroFix.

“I had a problem with root knot on my wheat and with just one application of Bontera TrichoPower my crop looked a lot better!,” says Bob Zelinski, Scenic Valley Farms, Salem, OR.

All products are developed by a dedicated microbial discovery team that is at the heart of Bontera’s offerings. They stay updated with the latest research on microbes and their functionalities, and study the rhizosphere of actively growing crops to identify and isolate microbes and examine their properties. The microbes are then cultivated and tested ingreenhouses and field trials before being incorporated into products.

From seed germination to flowering, fruiting and overall yield, there are a range of functionalities essential for plant development that are considered when screening for microbes. Incorporating enzymes and growth-promoting substances in it’s products is a priority to ensure plants receive the necessary nutrients and metabolites at every growth stage. A testament to its products is the overwhelmingly positive customer feedback that speaks to the changes witnessed by farmers since employing Bontera’s solutions.

“We are amazed at the results of the Bontera products last season – we got a better yield on everything we planted” Chera Sowers, Prineville, OR.

From Farm Visits to Field Success

Bontera fosters a culture of openness and education, particularly focused on promoting biological products to farmers. This is achieved through direct communication, farm visits and organizing farm shows to bring local farmers together to discuss sustainable practices and the benefits of using biological products.

Farmers frequently reach out with questions about product use, demonstrating trust and reliance on the company’s expertise. A support team is available for queries or concerns, underscoring Bontera’s dedication to being a guiding hand and spreading the ecological advantages of using natural alternatives.

This was evident in a recent partnership with a leading U.S. seed distributor. The customer wanted a microbial product to coat their seeds. Bontera developed the product which it launched as Bontera Seed Coat. Its own trials and that of the distributor found a 30-50% increase in germination rates and earlier root and shoot development. The distributor selected Bontera as their exclusive microbial partner after testing Bontera Seed Coat against several other leading competitors. By coating seeds, farmers can reduced the number of applications and improve efficiencies.

Seed coating lowers cost and mitigates the environmental impact, reducing greenhouse gas emissions produced by the excessive use of volatile nitrogen products. This method also minimizes the need for nitrogen sources like urea and ammonium, as Bontera’s microbes fix atmospheric nitrogen.

“These success stories give us satisfaction in seeing that people are benefitting from our solutions and we are making a difference in the industry,” says Imam.

Harnessing Global Expertise for Innovation

The expertise that drives Bontera’s educational success stems from a team of experts that comprises world-class specialists, including PhD-level staff with international experience. The team includes soil scientists, microbiologists and professionals with 20-30 years of experience in crop cultivation. At weekly R&D meetings, team members from the United States, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey and Pakistan discuss ongoing projects and challenges. The meetings foster open and candid discussions about product performance, regional needs and opportunities for innovation. In particular, Bontera is currently engaged in developing sustained release microbial products to enhance multi-season microbial viability and diversity in the soil.

One other example is Bontera’s active advancement into predictive agricultural biology, focusing on developing sensors capable of forecasting upcoming agricultural conditions. Sensors will be designed to predict potential occurrences such as disease outbreaks, water scarcity, micronutrient deficiencies or pest infestations.

The aim is to provide farmers with proactive tools to anticipate and prevent challenges before they arise, enhancing efficiency and reducing reliance on reactive measures like chemical treatments. This approach represents a forward-thinking strategy that empowers farmers with timely information and preemptive solutions to optimize agricultural outcomes. Embracing predictive biology will serve as a significant strategic initiative for the company, positioning it at the forefront of innovative agricultural technology.

Nurturing healthy soil as the foundation, Bontera equips farmers to cultivate a thriving future for agriculture and bring about a new age of organic and sustainable practices that promote biodiversity