What Is ESP?
ESP (Enhanced Seed Performance) is a unique liquid seed coating designed to increase the speed of establishment and development of grass seedlings.
ESP benefits include:
- Unique formulation of plant health components
- Enhances seed germination and establishment
- Improves tillering and aids stress resistance
- Enhances metabolic plant processes within the plumule and radicle
- Increases the number of root hairs, so increasing soil nutrient uptake
The technology behind ESP
A special formulation of key ingredients is applied to the seed prior to packing by using a liquid spray. Unlike powdered coated seed treatments, every individual seed is coated to ensure even treatment for every bag. In addition, being a liquid rather than a powder, there are no handling or Health & Safety issues either in the packaging process or when used by the turf manager.
Although seed treated with ESP can germinate 2 days quicker compared to untreated seed the real, more critical, benefit is seen by the improved levels of establishment and overall plant health.
Root mass is increased on average by over 20%. In addition, there are a greater number of secondary and tertiary roots, so not only reinforcing the foundation of the turf and increasing its strength and stability but improving the plant’s ability to capture and utilise water and nutrients.
Leaf colour, thickness and overall health are also increased, improving the plant’s ability to withstand stressful situations during the establishment phase. Sward density and ground coverage are also enhanced reducing the time from renovation to use.
How does ESP work?
Enhanced Seed Performance (ESP) is a unique liquid seed coating containing key plant health components that are beneficial to the establishment and development of grass seedlings.
Enhanced Root Developer
A synergistic complex that improves rootmass and length. It increases auxin biosynthesis, encourages nutrient uptake and stimulates chlorophyll content which improves photosynthetic path ways that produce energy for the plant.
Humic Acids
Stimulates plant enzymes and the activity of soil micro-organisms. Promotes root respiration and early formation. The ESP coating allows humic acids to be more readily absorbed by the seed through the pores.
Growth Promoting Hormones
The enzymatically-extracted betaines, cytokinins and gibberellins help the plant with increased rooting and vigour.
Micro-Nutrients
Ensure maximum nutrient uptake at the early stages of development. ESP contains many of the main trace elements in a chelated form.
Amino Acids
Improve the stress resistance of the seedlings to a range of conditions such as drought, cold etc. Chelating properties enable nutrients to be more readily absorbed by leaves and roots.
Unique transparent seed coating
Ensures every individual seed is coated.
Where can I find out more?
More information can be found in the ESP Brochure .