Unlocking the “Sweet Spot” for Foliar Applications with Bombigro

Bombigro consistently increases yields by helping plants withstand stress and maximize genetic potential

By: Dave Dyson, Locus AG Lead Agronomist

As the 2025 harvest wraps up and we finish the cropping season, it’s the right time to start looking ahead to foliar programs for 2026. Maximizing return on investment from foliar applications often comes down to timing with hitting a crop’s “sweet spot”, the growth stage where stress peaks and yield potential can be most influenced. At Locus, we’ve designed Bombigro, a biologically driven foliar solution that fits seamlessly into these critical windows, providing consistent yield advantages across multiple crops.

Understanding the “Sweet Spot”

Every crop has growth stages where stress reduction and enhanced physiological activity deliver the biggest return.

Corn

In the first six weeks after emergence, corn experiences multiple stress events as the plant rapidly develops. By the V6 stage, the maximum number of kernel rows around the cob is already determined. This is a prime opportunity to support vigor and mitigate stress. Remember: staging should be based on counting leaf collars (V-stages), not plant height, which varies with growing conditions.

Soybeans

The “sweet spot” occurs at R3, when a pod measuring at least ¼ inch is visible on an upper node of the main stem. This is when the plant is under heavy stress establishing pods that will ultimately determine yield. Applications during R3 help minimize pod abortion and set the stage for higher yield potential.

Wheat

During the flag leaf stage, the plant produces the single most important leaf, which contributes up to 75% of yield potential. Protecting and enhancing the productivity of the flag leaf is critical. Bombigro can be tank-mixed with fungicide or insecticide applications, maximizing efficiency without sacrificing compatibility.

Cotton, Potatoes, and Peanuts

These crops respond best during the bloom stage, when reproductive development drives yield outcomes. In trials, Bombigro applications during bloom have consistently delivered yield increases of more than 10% on average.

What Makes Bombigro Different?

Bombigro is not just another foliar additive. It’s a biologically produced solution designed to drive crop performance safely and effectively.

• Unique yeast metabolites and sugars: Produced via fermentation, providing a natural boost to plant physiology.
• Citric acids (1%): Enhances photosynthesis efficiency.
• Sophorolipids (1%): Improves leaf penetration for more effective uptake.
• Organic acids (cytokinins, gibberellic acid, auxins): Stimulate cell division, elongation, and differentiation for stronger, more resilient plants.

One of Bombigro’s standout features is its crop safety. It is safe enough to be applied undiluted via drone or airplane, during the plants “sweet spot” growth stage, giving growers flexibility in application without risk of phytotoxicity.

Proven, Practical, and Profitable

When applied at the right growth stage, Bombigro consistently increases yields by helping plants withstand stress and maximize genetic potential. Its compatibility with common crop protection and fertility programs allows growers to integrate it seamlessly into existing passes, improving efficiency.

Contact your local Locus AG representative for more information on how to incorporate Bombigro into your 2026 foliar program, or to take advantage of our current buy now/pay next season financing program.