Elicit Plant

Abstract

Water scarcity is a challenge for farmers in many regions, and climate change is making the problem worse. The French start-up Elicit Plant is tapping into the power of phytosterols to help boost yields for row crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, and sunflowers in the face of growing water shortages. Phytosterols are lipids that form part of cell membranes in plants. They function as signaling molecules that trigger growth and other adaptive responses when plants are under stress. The chemicals have been used in cosmetic, health, and nutrition applications, but Elicit is the first to apply them to agriculture, according to CEO and cofounder Jean-François Déchant. Elicit’s first commercial product, Best-a corn, contains a mixture of phytosterols extracted from plants. They’re designed specifically to increase corn yields under dry conditions. When taken up by the plants through their leaves, the phytosterols act as messengers, signaling to the plant to do