Philom Bios Inc.
3935 Thatcher Avenue
Saskatoon, SK Canada S7R 1A3
1-888-744-5662
www.philombios.com

Strength in numbers

Companies label their minimum guarantees according to different standards so in order to make a true comparison based on bug counts you need to understand how inoculant manufacturers label their products. Labeling can be based on the actual number of rhizobia cells in the product at the time of manufacturing OR it can represent the calculated number of cells remaining at the time of product expiration. Others label according to CFIA* minimum standard required, when in reality the actual content is much higher.

Yes, ensuring quality rhizobia numbers are available in high numbers is vital but how effective an inoculant works and how well it survives is more important than just the sheer number of bacteria in the product. The virulence of the culture is much more important than the number of organisms.

Inoculant performance depends on all of the above, making the difference between a mediocre crop and a great crop. That’s why you should compare performance results in the field between different products, and not just look at the product guarantee. Ask your inoculant manufacturer or your inoculant retailer for field performance results when selecting an inoculant.
*Canadian Food Inspection Agency