Green Earth Technology's Research - new projects
Current thinking (Dr. David Tomlinson)
As RC3 has an unusual chemistry, we have tried to increase our understanding of it’s functionalities.
With a cidal effect on a limited number of pathogenic fungi, it is conceived that these fungi are specifically obligate aerobes with growth affected by the reaction of reductive RC3 at sites that require oxygen. However, we are as yet unsure of this as the growth habits of Fusarium species are quite different to the others.
We have little data on RC3 and the myriad of beneficial fungi, safe to say that we are unable in the laboratory and in the field to demonstrate any obvious cidal effect.
Growth effects on plants are also difficult to explain. RC3 is not a growth hormone that acts as do auxins, gibberellins or cytokinins. It has an effect on gene expression boosting growth of vegetative tissues like leaves but also on bud initiation, number and size of flowers, fruit set and number, size and quality of fruits. RC3 also affects controller genes, so as to free them from their control of shaping of the plant. This is best demonstrated with turning two small hoop pines (Auracaria) into a hedge, with growth everywhere.
Research & Development
Our mission is to improve existing farming practises without the use of toxic chemicals and fertilizers. Current research involves improving overall soil health and reducing the reliance on irrigation. To date we have seen great results in flowering, fruiting and fruit flavour with work continuing on increasing brix levels in commercially grown fruit. As we progress and new information comes is available, our website will be updated.
Bees and carbon sequestration
The use of RC3 has had no effect on bees or pollinators and plants and trees have also produced their own toxins which is beneficial in keeping at bay fruit fly, fruit spotting bug, etc. Through the use of RC3 proliferation of flowers, no effect on bees, has produced far greater fruiting.
Carbon sequestration
Through our work we have improved the proliferation of mycellium and good fungal bacteria which contributes to the sequestration of Co2 in soils, plants and trees.
Ongoing Projects
Pasture die-back - a major concern throughout the country. Work was started in 2018 in Malanda, Nth. Queensland and is on-going. We are currently working with graziers in an effort to improve pasture growth and overall soil health.
Stockfeed/hay growers – taking particular interest in soil /plant health in an effort to increase growth rate and production.
Vineyards – current work involving soil improvement and the use of RC3 is being undertaken with wine and table grapes in NSW and Victoria in an effort to increase yield, health and brix levels of fruit.
Commercial growers – avocadoes, nuts, fruit and vegetables. Working with growers in an effort to improve soil, tree and crop health without the use of chemicals, limiting the use of irrigation and also improving tree/plant immune systems thereby being able to ward off insect predation naturally.
Macadamia plantations – trials were started well into the last season (2020) with promising results. It is anticipated that full scale spraying will start after pruning and prior to this seasons’ crop (2021).
Banana growers – discussions and trials underway to eliminate and prevent the re-occurrence of T1 disease. Trials on Geo Leak Solutions’ property have to date been successful and disease eliminated.
Bananas treated to improve health and fruiting have been successful. Following photos are self evident.
Smoke taint in wine – removing taint in wine affected by bushfire smoke. Green Earth Technology has devised a system and the project was started several weeks ago with very positive results to date. Work and testing is underway and we should have more on this matter at a later date. Testing on our treatment of wines is currently being undertaken by SARDI (South Australian Research and Development Institute) with positive results.