Roots Sustainable Agricultural Technologies is up 17.7 percent after announcing positive results in its agriculture heating technology.
Roots reported a 40 per cent increase in yardlong bean farming after application of its heating technology.
The company’s heating system stabilised crop roots at a consistent 20 degrees, despite air temperature dropping to five degrees.
Roots CEO Sharon Devir said the technology application is significant as yardlong beans are commonly cultivated throughout Asia, but face problems due to harsh winters.
“Our RZTO heating and cooling technology have mitigated external weather conditions, allowing the farmer to grow Yardlong Beans year-round and benefit from premium prices in the off-season,” he said.
Israeli farmer Sharon Cheri trialed the Roots system during winter between November 2018 to March 2019.
The heated Yardlong Beans continued healthily through the winter months, while an unheated control crop virtually stopped growing after December.
Cheri said it used significantly less energy than air heating systems.
“Roots’ heating technology has lengthened our growing cycle, increased crop yield and reduced incidences of plant disease,” said Cheri.
The news follows recent successful applications of the technology to chives, basil, lettuce, and cucumber.