Blacksmith Bioscience Colossus Forge SP, 20 lbs.

Colossus - Beneficial Microbes for Crops

Colossus is a beneficial microbial product for agriculture containing Streptomyces nigrescens strain MR541. This microorganism colonizes plant roots and foliage and produces beneficial byproducts that support plant vigor, growth, and yield. See the catalog recommendations and product label directions below for soil, foliar, and seed applications.

Why Choose Colossus?

The Colossus microbe was discovered in an Idaho potato field during a lengthy search for beneficial soil microbes in the Pacific Northwest. It stood out among thousands of isolates for its ability to colonize plant roots and its production of a myriad of beneficial secondary metabolites.

• Yield Maximization
  Boosts crop production through enhanced nutrient uptake pathways and improved metabolic efficiency.
• Root Architecture
  Promotes deeper, more complex root systems for better stability and access to deep-soil water reserves.
• Stress Resilience
  Helps plants withstand drought, heat, and environmental stressors, reducing crop loss.

Active Ingredient

• Streptomyces nigrescens strain MR541

The Science: Bio-Active Microbial Action

Colossus uses a proprietary strain of Streptomyces nigrescens (MR541) that actively colonizes both the rhizosphere and plant foliage. Once established, this microbe synthesizes enzymes like chitinase to enhance soil health, along with high levels of siderophores, compounds that unlock bound iron and other essential metals to make them available to the plant.

• Root & Foliar Colonization
  Actively colonizes both the rhizosphere (roots) and foliage to drive plant vigor.
• Nutrient Availability (Siderophores)
  Produces siderophores to unlock iron and essential micronutrients (zinc, boron, manganese) that are typically bound in soil.

Application Rates

Recommended rates from the Colossus catalog brochure:

The product label includes additional crop-specific rates, including 1–3 oz/acre for initial soil applications on agronomic field and row crops, and separate greenhouse, nursery, hydroponic, and seed treatment directions. Consult the label for the applicable use.

Directions for Use

Foliar Application

Use 3–9 oz of Colossus per acre per foliar spray. For outdoor foliar applications, the product label specifies 10–150 gallons of water per acre. Consult the product label for application-specific directions.

Soil Drench / In-Furrow

Use 3–6 oz of Colossus per acre for soil applications.

• Apply in-furrow directly on the seed piece at planting.
• Follow-up applications can be made through irrigation or as a soil application just before a rain event.
• Apply at planting and up to two more times during the growing season.

The product label gives separate crop-specific initial and follow-up soil rates; consult the label for those directions.

Seed Treatment

• Prior to planting, dissolve 1–6 oz of Colossus in 1–4 oz of water per 100 lb (cwt) of seed and spray directly on seed.
• Use mist-type commercial seed treatment equipment, slurry, or comparable methods that provide thorough coverage of treated seed.

Compatibility Warning

Do not tank mix with fungicides containing copper or with strong bactericides. Perform a jar test before mixing with other chemicals.

Downloads

• Product Spec Label (PDF, 1.1 MB)
• Colossus Catalog Brochure (PDF, 6.4 MB)

Always read and follow label directions.