Neutrog are currently undertaking a trial with the Adelaide Botanic Garden at Mount Lofty to see if the flavour of capsicums and tomatoes can be improved with microbes.

The trial involves two varieties of each plant, each being assessed with a selection receiving water only, and the rest receiving a biological inoculant currently under development, called SALIV8.

SALIV8 is a formula comprising specifically chosen microbes that the Neutrog R&D team believe will enhance the flavour.

“The ability to enhance flavours, and potentially nutritional value, by the use of a microbial inoculant represents and exciting opportunity not only for the home gardener but also in the commercial setting” Dr Uwe Stroeher, R&D Manager.

A second application of SALIV8 was applied in mid-January.

“We are at the early stages of the trial and so far we have seen a slight improvement in the treated plants compared to the control groups. Within the next two to three months, we will hopefully be able to harvest the fruits and then do a blind taste test to see if the biological inoculant does in fact improve the flavour of the produce,” says Dr Uwe.

We look forward to sharing how the trial progresses. You can read more about trials like this one by downloading our newsletter.