Growth is best done naturally. But nature can always use a little help.  Nutrigenomic nutrition and biostimulants are new, advanced products not even recognized yet by some countries, despite growing use in recent years. Nutrigenomics and biostimulants are designed to improve crop performance by understanding and assisting a plant’s natural processes. It’s about promoting natural growth at a genetic level.
 
The basic unit of every living organism is the cell. A cell contains the genes for thousands of proteins. Because cells are constantly growing, dying and being replaced, new proteins are generated continuously through a process of gene expression.
 
Gene expression is the process by which the information in a gene is made into usable proteins. Each gene within a cell carries the code for a specific protein. Although all cells contain the complete genetic code, only a fraction of the genes are “switched on” or expressed, depending on cell type and the availability of nutrients, bioactive compounds and other stimuli. 
 
Gene expression, and therefore protein production, can be activated or upregulated by nutrition. Gene expression can also be suppressed or downregulated by a lack of nutrition. This is how cells regulate which proteins will be made. Proteins then act and interact in specific ways as part of larger biological functions for growth, reproduction, photosynthesis, and more.
 

What is Nutrigenomics?
Nutrigenomics is the study of how nutrition affects the process of gene expression. Complex technologies and analytical tools let researchers compare the effects that various nutrient packages have on plant gene expression. Sophisticated analysis of this information provides important clues about how to further optimize plant functions and improve plant growth.
 
Unlike genetic modification, which involve the alteration of an organism’s genetic code, the study of nutrigenomics simply observes how plants’ naturally occurring genes are influenced by nutrition, bioactive compounds and other stimuli.
 
In 2008, Alltech’s pioneering nutrigenomic research took a leap forward with the construction of a dedicated nutrigenomics research facility in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Over the following years, nutrigenomic breakthroughs revealed how to naturally optimize plant health and performance, in crops ranging from corn to citrus.
 

Reaching peak performance with biostimulants
For an athlete to reach peak performance, they must do more than train. Elite athletes often supplement their diets with vitamins, minerals, creatine and other compounds. An athlete’s genes and physiology respond to these substances, allowing them to increase physical power, enhance mental strength and gain a competitive advantage. 
 
In a similar way, plants respond to certain substances known as biostimulants.
Plant biostimulants are diverse substances and microorganisms used to enhance plant growth. These products sometimes go by other names, such as plant strengtheners and conditioners, phytostimulants, biofertilizers, bioactivators, or soil, yield, crop and plant growth enhancers.
 
Nutrigenomics and biostimulants
Biostimulants foster plant development in numerous ways throughout the crop life cycle, from seed germination to plant maturity. From improving metabolic efficiency to facilitating nutrient translocation, these compounds can lead to increases in yield, quality, stress tolerance and even water use efficiency.
 
Beyond simple nutrition, the science of nutrigenomics can examine how gene expression is influenced by these unique biostimulating compounds, enabling formulations specifically tailored for the desired crop outcome.
 
Simplot Grower Solutions
Alltech Crop Science^® from Simplot Grower Solutions uses nutrigenomic nutrition, biologicals and microbiology to improve performance and boost crop yields by promoting and activating a plant’s natural processes.