Case Study: Successful Field Trial in Southern Romania

Background
In 2023, a wheat farmer in Southern Romania faced significant challenges with Fusarium wilt and drought stress, both of which were severely impacting crop yields and soil health. The farmer partnered with MRB Biotechnology to test the efficacy of two innovative bio-based products: MRB Mix, a biostimulant designed to enhance plant resilience and growth, and MRB Harmony Stempfus, a biocontrol product targeting soilborne fungi Fusarium.spp. for the year 2024
Fusarium wilt in wheat (Fusarium spp.) is a fungal disease that develops especially in conditions of high humidity, but also in periods of moderate temperatures, which makes it common in spring and early summer.
Objectives
To assess the effectiveness of MRB Biotechnology holistic solution by applying MRB Mix amd MRB Harmony Stempfus, a biocontrol product designed to combat soilborne pathogens and promote healthier crops, alongside MRB’s comprehensive product range, including foliar and radicular treatments.
To increase the Yield compared to untreated plots by more than 15%
To dramatically decrease the incidence of Fusarium wilt
To increase soil microbial activity by min 20%, fostering a healthier and more balanced soil ecosystem.
Challenges:
High incidence of Fusarium wilt in previous growing seasons, causing significant yield losses.
Symptoms: On the ear: Grains affected by Fusarium turn red or yellow, often covered with a pink powder, which represents the fungal spores. The grains dry out and can become deformed. At the root and stem: Fusarium fungi penetrateed the root system, affecting plant development.
Adverse Weather conditions: Prolonged periods of insufficient rainfall, leading to drought stress and reduced plant vigor.
Results
The trial demonstrated exceptional results, validating the effectiveness of MRB’s bio-based solutions:
Increased Yield: Wheat yield in treated plots was 18% higher compared to untreated plots, representing a significant improvement in productivity.
Economic Gains: The 18% yield increase translated into significantly higher revenue, offsetting the investment in bio-based solutions and boosting profitability. Furthermore a more applying MRB Biotechnology strategy helped reduce cost per hectar by 15 resulting in 32% %, total gain to the farmer, compared to 2023.
Disease Control: Incidence of Fusarium wilt was dramatically reduced, with treated plants exhibiting healthier stems and roots.
Soil microbial activity increased by over 25%, fostering a healthier and more balanced soil ecosystem.
Organic matter levels improved, enhancing the soil’s capacity to retain water and nutrients.
Drought Resilience: Treated plants showed better resilience during drought periods, maintaining vigor and growth compared to untreated plants.
Adoption of MRB Product: Impressed by the results, the farmer fully adopted MRB Mix and Harmony Stepfus for wheat for future growing seasons. Adopted MRB Approach to other crops as crop rotation strategy was changed to prevent pathogen development due to prolonged 5 year drought
Word-of-Mouth Recommendations: The farmer’s success story was shared with peers and friends, prompting additional interest from local farmers.
Environmental Benefits and Produce Quality: By using bio-based products, the farm reduced its reliance on chemical inputs, by using less chemical fungicides by 60 %, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to agriculture and higher quality of the produce.
Conclusions:
This field trial highlights the transformative potential of MRB Biotechnology’s products and wholistic approach in addressing key challenges like soilborne diseases, nutrient deficit and climate stress. By combining innovative solutions with close farmer collaboration, MRB demonstrated how bio-based products can deliver measurable benefits for both productivity and sustainability. This success not only solidified the farmer’s trust in MRB Biotechnoogy solutions but also reinforced the reputation of the MRB Biotechnology as a leadig technology in sustainable agricultural innovation.