A New Front in the Battle for Better Yields

NewLeaf expands Terrasym VT into 21 states, banking on stronger roots and smarter nutrient use to lift specialty crop performance

16 Feb 2026

NewLeaf Symbiotics has expanded the registration of its Terrasym VT transplant treatment to 21 US states, including California, as growers show rising interest in biological tools aimed at improving nutrient efficiency and crop resilience.

The product received regulatory approval in California in late November, giving the company access to one of the country’s largest vegetable markets. The move marks a step forward in NewLeaf’s commercial strategy and strengthens its presence in key specialty crop regions.

Terrasym VT is designed for use at the transplant stage, when young plants are particularly vulnerable to stress. Early setbacks can restrict root development and limit nutrient uptake for the rest of the season. The treatment seeks to support stronger root growth and improve the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients from the soil.

According to company-reported trial results, Terrasym VT has shown improved nutrient uptake and yield gains in specialty crops including tomatoes. NewLeaf says the product is intended to complement existing fertility programmes rather than replace conventional inputs.

The rollout comes amid broader changes in agricultural technology. Growers are under pressure to use fertilisers more efficiently and maintain yields in variable weather conditions. Microbial-based products are attracting attention as a way to enhance plant performance without increasing synthetic inputs.

NewLeaf joins a group of companies investing in biological platforms. Indigo Agriculture and Pivot Bio have expanded microbial offerings in large-scale row crops, reflecting sustained capital flows into the sector. NewLeaf, by contrast, is focusing on high-value vegetable crops, where adoption decisions tend to hinge on clear field data and measurable returns.

As with other biological treatments, performance can vary depending on soil type, climate and farm management practices. Continued field validation is likely to influence uptake.

The company’s expansion highlights a wider shift in crop nutrition strategies. Precision agriculture is increasingly incorporating biological approaches aimed at improving nutrient use from the root level, as suppliers seek to demonstrate consistent results in commercial production systems.