Biologicals for Winter Wheat: Fall Applications for a Stronger Start

We’ve built our reputation on proven spring and summer biological applications, helping growers improve plant health, nutrient efficiency, and input ROI. Over the past two years, we’ve expanded that work into fall crops, investing in research, replicated greenhouse studies, and on-farm trials to understand how the right biologicals can impact winter wheat performance.

This move isn’t just about agronomic curiosity, it’s backed by data, demand, and global regulatory foresight, as restrictions on synthetic seed treatments grow and biological alternatives take centre stage.

The Science Behind Our Microbes

ACF‑SR – The Growth Engine

ACF‑SR is a consortium of five function-focused microbes selected for their ability to:

• Fix atmospheric nitrogen

• Solubilize phosphorus and potassium

• Generate phytohormones that drive vigorous plant development

This formulation enhances germination, root architecture, and nutrient uptake, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and accelerating early plant growth. It's a tool for growers looking to maximize nutrient efficiency and establish strong winter wheat crops, starting at the root.

A*LIVE Seed – Built for Defence

While A*LIVE Seed also supports nutrient availability, it's engineered primarily for defense and stress resilience:

• Boosts abiotic stress tolerance, including cold and moisture extremes

• Fortifies early disease resistance

• Increases early biomass and seedling strength

  
  

This treatment works best when conditions are unpredictable, protecting the plant’s throughout the growth cycle, but especially when weather and pathogen pressure are most volatile.

Together, ACF‑SR and A*LIVE Seed deliver a complementary biological strategy: one focused on growth, the other on protection.

How Fall-Applied Biologicals Work

When applied in the fall, these biologicals begin colonizing the seed and root zone within 7–14 days. This early colonization fosters a protective microbial ecosystem that:

• Shields emerging seedlings from abiotic stress

• Enhances nutrient cycling and uptake

• Supports vigorous root growth before winter dormancy

Agronomic & Economic Advantages of Fall Application

✔️ Stronger Winter Stand: Early vigor helps crops establish deeper roots and withstand winter dormancy.

✔️ Stress Defence: Microbial support helps plants tolerate cold, wet soils and erratic fall weather.

✔️ Higher ROI with Fewer Inputs: Biologically supported establishment reduces the need for spring rescue treatments, maintaining yield potential with fewer synthetic inputs.

Soil Health & Regenerative Benefits

Fall-applied biologicals don’t just serve this year’s crop—they lay the groundwork for long-term soil improvement:

• Restores microbial biodiversity

• Enhances organic matter and reduces chemical dependency

• Improves soil structure and nutrient cycling over time

  
  

Proven in Trials: A*LIVE Seed vs. Conventional Treatments

Our belief in biologicals is backed by data, not just philosophy.

We’ve completed numerous replicated trials in both greenhouse and field settings, comparing A*LIVE Seed to conventional chemical seed treatments in winter wheat systems.

Key Findings:

• Higher germination rates under variable fall conditions

• Stronger early root development

• Superior disease resistance

• Consistent performance advantages over traditional chemical-based treatments

  
  

Why This Research Matters Now

As regulatory pressure on chemical seed treatments grows, especially in parts of Europe, we expect similar changes in future North American markets. Our research helps prepare growers to stay ahead of this shift, by offering proven biological alternatives that deliver real performance gains, today.

Want to See the Full Trial Data?

We’ve compiled our greenhouse and field trial results into a comprehensive scientific summary, including protocols, disease resistance and germination data.

Talk to an Expert

Final Thoughts

A fall application of ACF‑SR or A*LIVE Seed represents a smart, strategic evolution in winter wheat management.

By starting with biology, growers can achieve:

• Stronger establishment

• Stronger plants

• Healthier soils

• Real return on investment

• And a proactive edge in the face of coming regulatory change

There’s never been a better time to ask questions, run your own trials, and be part of the growing movement toward biological, regenerative agriculture.