What is Inoculation?
All legumes associate with Rhizobium bacteria to form root "nodules". These nodules become the sites of nitrogen "fixation".  Inoculation is the process of applying these bacteria to the seed-ensuring sufficient numbers of the most efficient strains are delivered in a viable form to effectively nodulate the crop.

 Higher Margins to the Grower
Independent university trials demonstrate the yield benefits and nitrogen cost savings using HiStick on old, rotated dry and snap bean land (See 1991-1996 University Trials Results).

New Generation "Sterile" Inoculant
Old line inoculants are "Non-Sterile" because the carriers they contain are not purified by a sterilization process.  Contaminants in these products dilute their strength, shorten shelf life, and reduce effectiveness.  HiStick is producted using a purification process that eliminates contaminants, making it a "Sterile" inoculant.  Being sterile, HiStick can guarantee a uniquely high Rhizobium (active ingredient) content and a two-year shelf life.  In fact HiStick's active ingredient content is twenty times that of the leading non-sterile brand inoculants.  Inoculant strength per seed pays off in yield performance.

Convenient to Use - Works with All Planters
HiStick has a patented BUILT-IN sticker that allows dry application to seed.   HiStick clings to seed and will not build up at the bottom of your planter.  HiStick works in all types of planters, including air seeders.

 Unique Patented Safener
HiStick's built-in safener encapsulates the inoculant and protects it from harsh, toxic bean seed treatments such as streptomycin (see label). The built-in safener is another unique HiStick performance benefit that distinguishes HiStick from less effective inoculants.

Diluted inoculant samples cultured on Agar Plates (6 days)
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HiStick Benefits
  • Enhances yields (see trials data)
  • Saves nitrogen fertilizer cost (when applied)
  • Saves equipment and labor - saves potential nitrogen side dressing application costs.
  • Reduces weed pressure by reducing nitrogen fertilizer use. Weeds do not have access to inoculant (fixed) nitrogen.
  • Reduces disease pressure by better controlling your crop's nitrogen supply through the natural inoculation/N fixation process.
  • Increases crop uniformity and improves harvest index.
  • Reduces risk of nitrate run off from nitrogen fertilizer, a serious ground water environmental concern.

The HiStick Nitrogen Program for Dry & Snap Bean Production
The beans listed in this brochure are known scientifically as Phaseolus Vulgaris.   These beans can utilize three nitrogen sources:
1.  Soil nitrogen.
2.  Nitrogen fertilizer (as added)
3. Atmospheric nitrogen fixed by HiStick inoculant.

Unlike other legumes, Phaseolus Vulgaris type beans do not start to fix atmospheric nitrogen until the middle of the growing season.  Up to that point, they reply on soil or fertilizer nitrogen for growth.  From mid-season, HiStick inoculant will supply the plant's nitrogen needs in a natural metered relationship with the crop, producing superior growth characteristics.

Program Steps
1.  Determine your soil's nitrogen needs for your dry or snap bean crop.

2. If nitrogen is needed, apply half as much as you would normally for dry beans and two-thirds as much as you would for high yielding snap beans. (You need to use nitrogen fertilizer for the first half of the season only).  After dry bean growers become experienced with HiStick, many will determine that they can reduce their nitrogen fertilizer input by two-thirds and, thereby, further increase margins.

3.  Apply HiStick t your seeds at planting time. HiStick will supply the crop's nitrogen needs for the second half of the growing season.

Application
If the HiStick pack feels hard, it is because the hermetically-sealed inner bag has formed a vacuum.  This is normal; the pack should be slit open and worked gently with the hands to disperse the contents.  HiStick is applied to the seed in the planter box just prior to planting.  To apply, simply mix HiStick with the seed and plant.   An alternative method for most planters is  to mix HiStick and seed in the bottom half of the planter, then layer seed and product. HiStick and seed will self mix as they move down in the planter.  The 14-oz. unit treats up to 200 lbs. of bean seed.

Precautions
Always read the label instructions on the bag.

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