In essence, Harp-N-Tek initiates a plant reaction that regulates overall plant health. The benefits are healthier plants and improved yields. Natural plant processes are the delivery mechanism for Harp-N-Tek benefits. Ongoing research with Harpin Proteins has added substantially to the detailed knowledge of how Harpin Proteins interact with plants to elicit disease resistance and enhanced growth. In addition to the activity outlined previously (The Harpin Protein Discoveries), these are some of the known ways Harp-N-Tek products work.
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Harpin Protein elicits disease resistance by activating multiple defense signal transduction pathways that lead to activation of defense genes.
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Harpin Protein accelerates plant development. This includes specific effects on cell growth and plant development genes, such as those involved in cell wall expansion and modification, cell elongation, protein and sugar transport, increased root and shoot biomass, early flowering, early fruit set, early fruit maturation, fruit size, and increased fruit number.
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Harpin Protein affects basic physiological processes that are important for growth, including increased photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. These increases are indicative of increased production of energy and more available nutrients.
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In seed treatments (N-Hibit™), Harpin Protein reduces the number of nematode eggs among plant roots by an average 50% or more in replicated trials in Southern and Midwestern states. The results have been consistent against Soybean Cyst Nematode, the major nematode of soybeans, and these findings closely parallel the favorable results against Reniform and root knot nematodes in cotton. The cause of these reductions is being studied. One possibility is that Harpin-treated plants may exude something that repels nematodes or that interferes with nematode reproduction.