Stem Infusion for Plant Research and Breeding

Plant Stem infusion is a precision delivery method that introduces liquid formulations directly into the plant’s vascular tissue (xylem and phloem). By applying a controlled low-pressure gradient (typically ~0.5 bar), the system bypasses the roots to deliver nutrients, biostimulants, or metabolic precursors directly to the canopy and other organs where they are most needed.

Roots are often the bottleneck in metabolite uptake and plant growth. It is subject to soil pH fluctuations, nutrient lockout, microbial competition, selective permeability, and the energy-intensive process of osmotic transport. Stem infusion ensures 100% bioavailability, allowing the plant to bypass the metabolic “tax” of root-to-shoot translocation. Additionally, it gives the user total control of the amount and flow rate of the formulation intake.

The system uses a blunt-tip cannula or a custom-engineered branch adapter that creates a physical seal. Furthermore, the infusion operates at a low, controlled pressure (typically 0.5 bar), which matches the plant’s internal hydraulic limits, preventing air bubbles (embolisms) from entering the xylem or phloem. All our consumables are sterilised to further decrease the chances of infection. In all our experiments, we have never detected an infection at the infusion site or systemically.

The Ampleafy Scientific system is designed to work within the plant’s natural hydraulic limits. By using a sealed interface and low-pressure delivery, we prevent vascular cavitation (air embolisms). The plant continues its natural transpiration stream, incorporating the infused solution into its existing metabolic pathways. Any gases left in the system can either be purged manually or they escape through our patented branch adapter seal, while the liquid portion remains in the system.

The concept of plant stem infusion dates back to 1986 when Larry J. Garbau pioneered this technology in the first published study. Since then, many have used this technology in various crops and applications.

We have also published our own study in 2025 published in the journal Industrial Crops and Products. In controlled trials with Cannabis sativa L., plants treated with our infusion method at 0.5 bar showed a 31% increase in dry flower mass and a 34% increase in total cannabinoid yield compared to the control group.

Yes. Because Plant Stem Infusion is an extravascular additive, it does not interact with your substrate or irrigation system. This allows researchers and growers to run “dual-pathway” feeding programs – providing base nutrition through the roots while delivering high-value performance additives directly through the stem.

Yes. The principles of vascular infusion are applicable to most dicotyledonous plants with a developed secondary xylem as well as some monocotyledonous plants (e.g. a lot of research has been done on corn). Our current experience has been with tomato, squash, cucumber, cannabis, tobacco and others. Others have used this technology for most agricultural crops. In principle, the technology can be used for any plant, however, the delivery system, pressure and infusion device have to be correctly selected. Our technology specialists can help you select the right system for your application.

Ampleafy Scientific is designed to scale with your demands. While it provides high-granularity data for laboratory researchers, the hardware is engineered for rapid deployment in commercial greenhouse settings, allowing for the treatment of specific “high-value” zones or entire crops. The delivery system, pressure and infusion device have to be correctly selected to work with your scale and application. Our technology specialists can help you select the right system for your application.

Traditional fertilization often results in up to 60-80% nutrient loss through leaching or evaporation. PSIS is a zero-waste delivery system. Every drop of the formulation enters the plant, eliminating environmental runoff and reducing the total volume of inputs.

Our company is dedicated to sustainability and environmental responsibility by using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste in production, and focusing on energy-efficient processes. The company emphasizes minimizing its environmental impact while delivering high-quality, durable products for which we also received the positive Climate Impact Forecast (CIF) report by the renowned EIT Climate-KIC organization.