Roots Sustainable Agricultural Technologies Installs 3 root zone temperature optimization systems at the Israeli National Agricultural Organization – Volcani and a system to at South Africa`s Cannabis training Academy

Roots Sustainable Agricultural Technologies Ltd (ASX:ROO) has secured a sales contract for 3 systems of its proprietary Root Zone Temperature Optimization (RZTO) technology, ordered by the prestigious Israeli National Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) – the Volcani. The company’s technology will be deployed to heat and cool plants` pots and check the influence of 3 ranges of temperatures on the development of Nematodes as a function of root zone temperatures.

Roots`s system is able to provide customers a stable and narrow root zone temperature range on demand. In most cases it`s between 18-27 degrees Celsius. This optimal range provides protection from extreme weather events, helps produce more yield, shortens growing cycles, allow to plant off season and other benefits.

According to American research "The development rate of root-knot nematodes is temperature related. Crop damage is greatest in warm regions with coarser-textured soils such as sand or sandy loam. At soil temperatures of 77 to 82°F, the optimal range for the development of root-knot nematode species, they complete their life cycle within 3 to 4 weeks."(*). It is therefore assumed by the researchers that lowering root zone temperatures below 77-82 F will have a positive effect on Nematode buildup at the roots.

The Volcani Center campus, ARO`s is Israel`s leading Ag research organization. It is composed of six institutes: Plant Sciences, Animal Science, Plant Protection, Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, and Postharvest and Food Sciences

In addition – Roots sold a demo system to CHEEBA, South Africa`s Medical Cannabis Academy. https://cheebaafrica.com/

The demo system is aimed at teach students on the critical importance of Root Zone temperature optimization and showcase ROOTS`s system and technology able to maintain an optimum root zone temperature range year round.

This sales incorporate the proprietary Heat Exchange Probe HEP (see above pic) that enables to maintain stable and optimal root zone temperature range through running either cold or hot water through them in a closed cycle.

The technology will utilize a heat pump, circulation pump and an electrical panel, which will be deployed to heat and cool the roots of the plants in both locations.

Mobile and PC application developed by Roots provides the farmers with real-time feedback from sensors of temperatures and functionality readings of the system.

Validation of RZTO technology

Roots executive chairman and CEO Boaz Wachtel said: “This sales agreements provides further validation of the considerable benefits that our RZTO and probe technology bring to the cannabis and general Ag industries.

We generally see yield increase, shortening of growing cycles, option for early or late planting resulting in premium prices, reduction in disease load, enhanced production security and many more benefits, all resulting from an ability to maintain root zone area at optimal range year round.

The technology

The Roots heat exchange probe technology was designed to be inserted into the tops or sides of plant pots and grow bags or in soil to significantly simplify working procedures and ease of operations.

RTZO technology optimizes plant physiology for increased growth, productivity and quality by stabilizing the plant’s root zone temperature year around.

Previous test-work has shown that the company’s probe technology increases cannabis yields by 20% or more.

Additional sales in the cannabis cultivation sector are anticipated and this is the largest and most prospective market for RZTO globally.

International sales growth

Wachtel added: “We are also progressing a number of business development initiatives across the region and international markets to drive sales growth.

“Roots has a strong business development pipeline and we look forward to updating our customers and shareholders on progress in the coming weeks.”

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(*)Agriculture: Cilantro and Parsley Pest Management Guidelines

Nematodes Root-knot nematode: Meloidogyne arenaria, Meloidogyne hapla, Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne javanica ? Stubby root nematode: Paratrichodorus sp.

https://www2.ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/cilantro-and-parsley/Nematodes/