Bombardier 0-0-8
Amino Acid & Fulvic Biostimulant

Overview

Bombardier is a plant-based biostimulant fertilizer (8-0-0) that combines free L-amino acids, a high concentration of fulvic acids, polysaccharides, and other organic matter. Together, these components act as both a gentle nitrogen source and a powerful metabolic signal, helping plants maintain strong growth, better nutrient efficiency, and improved quality throughout the crop cycle.

Unlike conventional salt-based nitrogen products, Bombardier is designed to support the plant’s own physiology: enhancing chlorophyll formation, stimulating key enzymatic systems, improving root function, and supporting better flowering and fruiting. It fits well in high-value greenhouse crops, field vegetables, fruiting crops, and specialty ornamentals where performance and quality are critical.

Key Components & Their Roles

Free L-Amino Acids

  • Trophic effect: quickly metabolized into biologically active substances that invigorate growth.
  • Hormonal effect: support the formation of chlorophyll, auxins (e.g. IAA), vitamins, and multiple enzyme systems.
  • Reproductive effect: improved flowering, fruit set, precocity, fruit size, coloration, sugar content, and vitamin levels.

Fulvic Acids & Organic Matter

  • Act as natural chelators, helping keep micronutrients available and mobile in the root zone.
  • Enhance cation exchange capacity and improve the physical and chemical properties of the root environment.
  • Support microbial activity and root development, increasing the effective exploration of soil or substrate.

Polysaccharides

  • Provide additional carbon sources that support microbial communities around the root.
  • Contribute to improved root-soil contact and structure in some substrates.
  • Complement the amino acid fraction in supporting energy metabolism and stress tolerance.

How Bombardier Works in the Plant

Trophic & Hormonal Effects

The free L-amino acids in Bombardier provide both building blocks and signals. They are directly involved in protein formation and act as precursors or activators for plant hormones, vitamins, and enzymatic systems. Together, these trophic and hormonal effects stimulate vegetative growth, enhance flowering and fruit set, and improve fruit size, color, sugar accumulation, and vitamin content. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Impact on Photosynthesis & Metabolism

  • Support chlorophyll synthesis, leading to better light capture and higher photosynthetic rates.
  • Participate in gluconeogenesis and the Krebs (TCA) cycle, improving carbohydrate production and energy status.
  • Help maintain a favorable carbon–nitrogen balance, which is key for balanced growth rather than weak, lush tissue.

Fruit Quality & Composition

Amino acids are involved in the synthesis of vitamins, sugars, pigments, and structural compounds in fruits. By improving carbohydrate synthesis, mineral uptake, and ripening processes, Bombardier can contribute to better flavor, sweetness (brix), color, firmness, and overall nutritional value of the harvested product. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Physiological Roles of L-Amino Acids Used by Kimitec

Kimitec’s L-amino acid technology, which underpins Bombardier, includes amino acids with well-documented physiological effects in plants. The table below summarizes the main roles attributed to each of these amino acids in plant metabolism and development.

Amino Acid Key Physiological Roles in Plants
L-Aspartic Acid Promotes germination and early seedling vigor.
L-Glutamic Acid Acts as a chelating agent; stimulates growth; promotes germination; favors stomatal opening; improves pollination.
L-Arginine Improves cold resistance; induces synthesis of flower- and fruit-related hormones.
L-Cysteine Provides chelation capacity for minerals.
L-Phenylalanine Promotes germination and participates in phenolic and pigment pathways.
L-Glycine Acts as a chelating amino acid, improving micronutrient availability.
L-Histidine Chelation activity; supports ripening and quality of fruits.
L-Alanine Improves cold resistance; stimulates chlorophyll synthesis; enhances fruit quality.
L-Lysine Chelation activity; stimulates chlorophyll synthesis; promotes germination; improves pollination.
L-Methionine Promotes germination; precursor for ethylene; improves pollination; precursor of growth factors.
L-Proline Provides anti-stress action; improves pollen fertility and resilience.
L-Serine Auxin precursor, supporting growth regulation.
L-Threonine Promotes germination and early development.
L-Tryptophan Auxin precursor; important in root and shoot growth processes.
L-Valine Auxin precursor; associated with improved fruit quality.

The roles listed above are based on agronomic observations and biochemical functions of each amino acid in plant metabolism.

Where Bombardier Fits in a Crop Program

Establishment & Vegetative Growth

  • Use after emergence or transplant when plants are actively growing.
  • Helps drive canopy development, root growth, and chlorophyll formation.
  • Useful after mild stress events (temperature swings, dry-back, pruning, etc.) to help plants recover faster.

Pre-Flower & Reproductive Phase

  • Supports the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth by maintaining metabolic activity.
  • Helps improve flowering, pollination, and early fruit set through better hormone and nutrient balance.
  • Can be paired with potassium- and calcium-focused programs aimed at fruit load and quality.

Quality & Finishing

  • Continued low-rate use can help maintain leaf function and nutrient flow into fruit.
  • Supports sugar accumulation, color, and flavor development where management and environment allow.

Application Guidelines (General)

Always follow the specific product label and local regulations. The notes below are general guidelines only.

Fertigation

  • Well suited to greenhouse, substrate, and high-frequency irrigation systems.
  • Apply at low, regular doses to maintain a steady supply of amino acids and fulvic acids.
  • Monitor normal EC and pH of your solution and drainage; Bombardier does not significantly increase salt load compared to conventional N sources.

Foliar Applications

  • Use clean, pH-adjusted water and fine droplets for good leaf coverage.
  • Apply in the early morning or late afternoon to optimize absorption and minimize risk of leaf burn.
  • Avoid spraying under extreme heat or strong midday radiation.

Tank Mix & Compatibility

  • Generally compatible with most fertilizers and many biostimulants.
  • Avoid mixing with strong oxidizing agents, highly acidic or highly alkaline products in the same tank.
  • Perform a small jar test before first-time combinations, especially in complex mixes.

Key Takeaways for Growers

  • Bombardier is more than an 8-0-0 fertilizer; it is a metabolic biostimulant built on free L-amino acids and fulvic acids.
  • It supports germination, vegetative growth, flowering, fruit set, and fruit quality through documented physiological pathways.
  • Best used as a low-rate, repeated input through fertigation and/or foliar sprays as part of a complete nutrition program.
  • Particularly valuable in high-value crops and under moderate stress conditions where improved efficiency and quality pay off.