PAR+: A Missing Link

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is a naturally occurring compound found in both humans and plants, playing crucial roles in various biological processes.

In animals and humans, 5-ALA is produced in the mitochondria and is a key precursor in the biosynthesis of heme, an essential component of haemoglobin, myoglobin, and various cytochromes. Heme, derived from 5-ALA, is vital for oxygen transport in red blood cells, as well as for electron transfer and energy production in cellular respiration. Deficiencies in 5-ALA production can result in disorders such as anaemia or porphyria, where heme metabolism is disrupted.

In plants, 5-ALA serves as a precursor to chlorophyll, the molecule responsible for photosynthesis. It is synthesized in the chloroplasts, and leads to the production of both chlorophyll and other essential molecules that regulate plant growth and development. 5-ALA also plays an important role in plant stress responses, including tolerance to drought, shade, salinity, and heavy metals.

The amazing thing about 5-ALA is the link between animals (including humans) and plants.Plants produce oxygen and cells by photosynthesis using light and carbon dioxide. Animals, including humans, consume oxygen and plants and exhale carbon dioxide, and plants grow again using that carbon dioxide. This is the energy cycle of life, which has been in operation since ancient times, and it cannot be achieved without its two axes—heme and chlorophyl— both of which are formed from 5-ALA. We could even say that 5-ALA shaped the current form of life on Earth.

At an application rate of just 1 litre in 300L water per hectare, PAR+ is providing your turfgrass surfaces with one of the foundations of life, helping it to tolerate the low light and low temperatures of winter.

Order your 1litre bottle by emailing enquiries@swagronomy.com.