Superthrive Experiment

BrianBay9

Hi folks,

Those of you who know me, know that I've always had a healthy skepticism of highly marketed, but unproven products like Superthrive. However, people that I respect swear by the product despite the lack of scientific evidence to its efficacy. With the new nursery I've found myself in the position of being able to set up a decent experiment to prove to myself (and perhaps others) that Superthrive (ST) either works, or doesn't.

I decided to focus on two label claims for ST. In the first, the ST label claims in provides a significant improvement in growth for transplanted seedlings. In the second, it claims that it improves propagation. I chose to interpret that as improving the process of taking cuttings.

I specifically did NOT choose to continually water plants, with and without ST because of the logistical burden that would place on a nursery operation. Also the statement on the ST label that says ...."As ST plants use more nutrients for growth, they may require the use of more fertilizer than other plants"...seemed highly suspect (More fertilizer = more growth?)

Experimental Design:

Each species of cuttings or seedlings were done at the same time. For each, half of the plants were soaked in ST, and half in water. The ST concentration was at label recommendations (1 tablespoon per gallon). The plants were soaked for an hour before planting. Plants or cuttings from each species were planted in the same soil mix, and same size pots, then set out in alternating rows (ST, not ST, ST, not ST, etc). From then on, all plants will be treated the same regarding watering, fertilizing, sun exposure, etc.

For seedlings, so far I have:

26 hackberry
56 boxwood
84 J Black Pine
100 Sequoia
100 bald cypress expected soon.
Total of 366, each group half with ST, half without.

For cuttings, so far I have

86 olives
26 junipers
28 chinese elm
52 dawn redwood
Total of 182, each group half with ST, half without

I would prefer 100 or more with and without ST for each species, but that's life. I expect any differences to be seen between planting and our mid-summer heat dormancy, since the treatment with ST was done only once. Either way, I will report back on this thread with numerical data and hopefully pictures of the results. I will be looking for differences in survival rates, and differences in growth (height, fullness, whatever).

I realize there are many other ways that people use ST, but I can only do what I can do. This experiment will put this issue to rest for me, but you all can make your own judgements.

Cheers
Brian

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irene_b

Looking forward to the results Brian!
Irene

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mike_p

Hi Brian
I personally think that ST is a fraud.
Any product that claims to promote rooting should have as one of it's components the hormone indole-butyric acid. I'm certain that Super-Thrive doesn't have this hormone.

Regards

Mike

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BrianBay9

Mike,

I'm skeptical as well, but if there are significant differences.....obvious to the naked eye and the camera.....I'm prepared to eat my words.

Cheers
Brian

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bonsaial1

I would have added one more control. one third done with HB101.

For a fourth I would have done a fourth in 25 drops of Hexol per gallon of water.

I think you will find that HB101 and ST both are disenfectants and that is what makes them work so to speak. Hexol will do the same thing for pennies per gallon.

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BrianBay9

Sorry Al, those are new to me. Besides, I don't have enough plants to split the groups four ways. Maybe next time.

BB

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PatArizona

Brian...

I commend you for conducting such a test, however, a couple of points come to mind.

First, even though several notable bonsaiists use ST, it is still made up of unknown ingredients. Why take the chance when there are products with known ingredients available...in fact, quite a few. "...made up of unknown ingredients...", IMHO, places it in a class that I call "snake oil".

Next, a statement like "...As ST plants use more nutrients for growth, they may require the use of more fertilizer than other plants...", once again, my opinion, raises the question: why not say something like (example) "...works well with DynaGro Grow..."?

And, your comparison, ST vs No ST...isn't that something like ST vs " "...as in "nothing"...? I would think a more meaningful comparison would be something like "ST with DynaGro Grow" vs "DynaGro KLN with DynaGro Grow".

I have used ST in the past, however, I switched to DynaGro products in 1999...they work for me...

Pat

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BrianBay9

Pat,

First, I'm not advocating the use of ST. I'm trying provide some evidence of its benefit - or not.

Second, I agree that the statement regarding fertilizers on the ST label makes the product suspect.

Third, the question I'm addressing is, does ST provide anything beneficial (or detrimental, for that matter) over the standard care of the plants. It doesn't matter what that standard care is, as long as both groups get the standard, and only one gets the ST. In my case, the standard care includes the use of an organic fertilizer most of the time, and an inorganic fertilizer every couple of months. All the plants get that. A second experiment might be, does ST add anything over and above Dynagrow....a valid question, but let me take things one step at a time.

Finally, I'm trying to move past the personal testimonials like "it works for me". While the product may work, unless you set up an experiment - with only one variable changed at a time, with sufficient replication to provide meaningful data - then we'll never really know....

Regards
Brian

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Joanie

Brian, thank you for doing this simple but useful experiment. Many people advocate ST, but unless we have a simple and no-nonsense comparison study, no one can refute or uphold the benefits of ST.

I look forward to seeing what, if any, differences appear between the two groups.

And as to the Trident seedlings.... save me a dozen from each group.

Joanie

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