TFU® (1-(2-(2-hydroxyethyl) phenyl)-3-(3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl) urea) is IntraCrop’s latest single molecule plant biostimulant, developed in collaboration with Palacký University and the Institute of Experoimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences and set for commercial release in 2026. This patented, synthetic molecule has a clearly defined mode of action, influencing both auxin and cytokinin-like activity in plants to enhance root and shoot development. Proven through extensive laboratory and field testing, TFU delivers measurable improvement in crop establishment, root mass, yield and quality , showing significant increases in protein levels and grain weight in trials on cereals.
TFU® regulates root genes and acts as inhibitor of cytokinin as well as auxin degradation by inhibiting their key inactivating enzymes, thus enhancing auxin-stimulated root growth and cytokinin-stimulated shoot growth. This dual influence strengthens root systems, improves nutrient and water uptake and stimulates shoot elongation for faster establishment and stronger overall growth.
IntraCrop has made significant investment in trials across seven countries and more than 60 trials. Results have shown consistent improvements in early crop vigour and yield. Seed treatments have delivered yield increases of up to 0.38 t/ha in cereals, while early post emergence foliar sprays achieved average gains of 0.44 t/ha across key crops.
TFU® can be used as a seed treatment to promote rapid establishment increasing root development and early biomass, or as a post-emergence foliar spray to enhance canopy growth. It is particularly suited to cereals and oilseed rape. It is recommended to use TFU® as a seed treatment and again as an Autumn foliar application, followed by a Spring application of MTU® on winter cereals for best results, or as a seed treatment followed by a foliar treatment of MTU® in spring cereals.
TFU® is suitable for use across a wide range of arable crops, including:
It can be applied either at the seed stage to promote early establishment or as a foliar spray to strengthen vegetative growth and yield potential.
How does TFU® work?
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.
What makes TFU® different from other biostimulants?
Unlike complex extracts or blends, TFU® is a single, well-defined molecule with a patented structure and a proven mode of action ensuring consistency and predictable results.
Is TFU® supported by independent research?
Yes. Laboratory and university trials (including at Nottingham University) showed +133% increase in root dry weight and +48% in shoot dry weight in winter wheat, confirming TFU®’s efficacy under controlled conditions in Poznan University’s field trials.
Can TFU® be used with nutrients or pesticides?
Yes. TFU® seed treatments can be used alone or with added nutrients, while foliar applications can be tank-mixed with compatible fertilisers or crop protection products.
What are the visual signs of TFU® performance?
Crops treated with TFU® show denser root systems with deeper primary roots and increased numbers of lateral roots, stronger tillering and more even emergence, leading to visibly improved establishment within weeks of drilling.
When will TFU® be commercially available?
TFU®-based products will launch in 2026, with national registrations in progress and CE marking expected in 2027.
Who is leading the research?
The TFU® molecule and its development are led by Dr Jaroslav Nisler and Dr Lukáš Spíchal at Palacký University in Olomouc (CZ) along with the IntraCrop R&D team, with commercial rollout overseen by Dr Mark Palmer.
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©IntraCrop 2026
