TFU®: What is it and how does it work?

TFU® is a patented, synthetic plant biostimulant with a clearly defined mode of action, developed since 2016 and thoroughly tested in both laboratory and field trial conditions. Positioned as a novel, ultra-low-dose root growth regulator and cytokinin dehydrogenase inhibitor (CKX), TFU® influences both auxin and cytokinin like activity in the plant.

TFU® acts on the plant’s hormonal system by inhibiting IAA-oxidase and GH3 IAA-amido synthetase, prolonging the half-life of auxins in the roots and promoting auxin-like effect. TFU also inhibits cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase, regulating cytokinin levels , altogether triggering enhanced root formation and shoot growth.

Auxins are key regulators of root growth. By enhancing auxin-like activity, TFU® increases the production of lateral root primordia at the pericycle and stimulates root elongation. This results in a more extensive root network that improves nutrient and water uptake.

Cytokinins are a group of plant hormones that affect cell division and differentiation in plant tissues. TFU® inhibits the enzymes cytokinin oxidase and cytokinin dehydrogenase which break down cytokinins. This elevates cytokinin levels in the plant, which promotes increased cell division in the meristems, leading to better shoot elongation and growth.

Development of IntraCrop’s single molecule biostimulants takes around nine years from initial concept to commercial availability. In glasshouse trials, TFU® was tested using transgenic Arabidopsis plants, with the promotor of the gene expression turned on by auxin connected to the gene for an enzyme producing luminescent products. Plants treated with TFU® showed increased luminescence and enhanced lateral root formation compared with the untreated control, indicating higher auxin activity.

These tests were followed up by validation trials conducted by the late Dr Steve Rossall at Nottingham University, which showed an increase in root dry weight of 133% and an increase in shoot dry weight of 48% in winter wheat.

IntraCrop has since undertaken field trials of TFU® in seven countries, using two methods of application, seed treatment and foliar spray. Results from seed treatments were particularly impressive, with yield responses across 60 trial comparisons ranging from 0.26 t/ha in spring barley to 0.38 t/ha in winter and spring wheat, with an overall average increase of +0.36 t/ha. Foliar treatments after establishment also proved worthwhile, with average yield responses of 0.44 t/ha across three crops.

Dr Palmer confirms this new technology will be available from 2026 as a seed treatment for cereals, either straight or with added nutrients. Both formulations are undergoing dose response trials to ensure farmers get the best results from the lowest possible applications. TFU® will also be available across Europe as a post-emergence foliar spray, ideal for oilseed rape applications.

IntraCrop is in the process of registering TFU® formulations under national regulations, with the first expected in early 2026. This will be followed by a full CE marking in 2027. As Dr Palmer concludes, “At IntraCrop we fully support the requirements of the Fertilising Products Regulation and have already gained six CE marks for our other technologies including MTU®. The trials results we are achieving with the TFU formulations will support our application for a CE mark on at least two new products containing this exciting new technology.”

Get in touch with our expert team to discuss TFU® or speak with your agronomist about including it in your crop management programme in 2026.