Rural
5 March, 2025
Insights from global practices protect Australian crops in extreme weather
AUSTRALIAN farmers struggling to manage crops in extreme weather are encouraged to follow the lead of farmers around the world and increase anti-stress preventatives to safeguard crops and livelihoods.
ProdOz crop science technologist Zen Kynigos said there has been growing national demand for the anti-stress fertiliser Indra, as extreme conditions, like Far North Queensland’s summer floods, are forcing farmers to ramp up risk management strategies to mitigate yield and quality loss.
The new-generation fertiliser was developed by Levity Crop Science, a global pioneer in agricultural products designed to improve production, reduce waste, and enhance soils. Led by world-renowned plant physiologist Dr David Marks, Levity’s research team focuses on abiotic stress, a key limiting factor for yield and quality in Southern Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa due to weather.
“Indra was developed so farmers around the world can continue growing when hit by stressful conditions such as floods, droughts, strong winds, and heatwaves. It is widely used in Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, and the United States, where it has significantly helped reduce crop loss. Over the past three years, we’ve also seen a rise in demand in Australia,” Mr Kynigos said.
Australian orchard crops like mangoes and avocados are particularly vulnerable to weather-related stress, with excessive heat, rain, cyclones, and floods causing fruits and flowers to abort and impacting yields.
“There’s not a plant in Australia unaffected by varying amounts of stress at any time of the year,” he said.
“Indra specifically aids recovery from waterlogging by stimulating the production of cell wall protectants and antioxidants and balancing the supply of nutrients.”
He explained that heatwaves could damage plants by affecting growth, photosynthesis, and water balance, leading to increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. As plants lose water through transpiration, buds and flowers could drop to conserve energy.
“Indra can be used ahead of a weather event (where they can be predicted), during the event to mitigate damage, or after the event for recovery. However, for the best results, farmers should incorporate it into their programs and use it monthly as a risk management strategy for adverse weather and for continuous results.”
Mr Kynigos said Indra works by promoting the plant’s antioxidant production to safeguard crops from quality and yield loss, reducing ethylene, and supporting strong cell walls. A key benefit is its low application rate of approximately $20 per hectare.
