As seed treatment practices continue to evolve, on-seed inoculants have become a transformative tool for seed treaters and growers. By leveraging the advantages of beneficial microorganisms, these biological treatments are reshaping how seeds are conditioned, paving the way for healthier crops and higher yields.
To better understand the role of on-seed inoculants in modern agriculture, we sat down with Marc Béland, Senior Director, Agriculture, at Premier Tech Growers and Consumers, to explore how these innovations are helping seed treaters boost results for growers and meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry.
Q: Marc, can you start by explaining what on-seed inoculants are and why they’re becoming so important in agriculture?
Absolutely. On-seed inoculants are biological treatments that are applied directly to seeds before planting, basically using the seed as the carrier. What makes them unique is that they contain beneficial microorganisms, such as Bacillus, rhizobium, or Serendipita, that work in harmony with plants to improve their ability to access nutrients, fix nitrogen, and resist stress.
For seed treaters, these inoculants are incredibly valuable because they complement existing seed treatment technologies such as fungicides and insecticides. While traditional treatments focus on protecting seeds from pests and diseases, on-seed inoculants work to enhance the seed’s performance, providing benefits like improved root development, better establishment, increased water absorption, and greater yields.
Q: Can you share some of the latest advancements in on-seed inoculants that seed treaters should know about?
Of course. At AGTIV®, we’re constantly innovating to simplify processes for seed treaters while maximizing the benefits of our products for growers. One of the most exciting developments we’re rolling out is the new packaging and formulation for AGTIV IGNITE®, which eliminates the need for cold storage. This is a huge advantage for the supply chain and seed treaters, as it reduces the logistical challenges of managing temperature-controlled environments.
Additionally, AGTIV IGNITE® now has an on-seed shelf life of up to six months when stored between 2–20°C, giving seed treaters more flexibility and peace of mind. This extended shelf life means treated seeds can be stored for longer periods without compromising the viability of the inoculant, allowing for better planning and more streamlined operations.
For our AGTIV FUEL® and AGTIV ENRICH® soybean inoculants, we’ve also achieved an extended shelf life of 180 days. These advancements are a direct response to feedback from seed treaters who want reliable, high-performing products that integrate seamlessly into their workflows.
Q: How do these advancements tie into the broader benefits of on-seed inoculants for growers?
The benefits for growers are significant. Take AGTIV IGNITE®, for example. This product contains the microorganism Serendipita, which is particularly effective in crops like canola and cereals. Serendipitaimproves nutrient use efficiency (NUE), enhancing how plants take up and utilize nutrients.
For legumes like soybeans, our AGTIV FUEL® and AGTIV ENRICH® inoculants combine rhizobium and, in the case of AGTIV ENRICH®, Bacillus to improve nitrogen fixation and support vigorous root development. This leads to healthier plants that can better withstand environmental stresses.
These inoculants are designed for compatibility with other seed treatments for a smooth integration into existing processes.
Q: You mentioned nutrient use efficiency (NUE). Why is this such an important topic in agriculture today?
Nutrient use efficiency, or NUE, refers to how effectively plants convert available nutrients into biomass or yield. Improving NUE is critical for several reasons. First, it helps growers make better use of their fertilizer investments by optimizing how plants absorb and use nutrients. This leads to better crop productivity and, ultimately, higher yields.
At AGTIV®, we focus on providing solutions to increase value at every step of the supply chain. For example, AGTIV IGNITE® not only improves NUE, it also helps mitigate the impacts of environmental stresses, such as drought or extreme temperatures, which are becoming more common.
Q: What advice would you give to seed treaters looking to integrate on-seed inoculants into their operations?
My first piece of advice would be to look for products that are backed by science and trusted by the industry. We’ve spent years perfecting our formulations to ensure they deliver consistent results so that seed treaters and growers can trust that they’re working with high-quality, reliable inoculants that give results in the field.
Second, consider the practical benefits. Products like AGTIV IGNITE® that don’t require cold storage can significantly simplify logistics. An extended shelf life also provides flexibility in inventory and operations planning and management.
Finally, focus on compatibility. Seed treaters work with a variety of seed treatments, so having a product that integrates easily into existing workflows is crucial. All AGTIV® products are designed with this in mind, making them an excellent choice to optimize operations without adding complexity.
Q: What does the future hold for on-seed inoculants and AGTIV®?
The future is exciting. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, I believe we’ll see even greater adoption of on-seed inoculants, particularly as growers and seed treaters recognize the value of these products that are improving yields, while being easily integrated into their operations
At AGTIV®, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of this innovation. Our team is constantly working on new ways to improve the performance, usability, and sustainability of our products. We’re also focused on expanding our portfolio to meet the needs of an ever-changing industry.
Seed treaters are an integral part of this journey. By adopting advanced solutions like on-seed inoculants, they’re helping growers achieve better results and playing a key role in shaping the future of agriculture.
Final Thoughts
As Marc Béland highlights, on-seed inoculants represent a powerful opportunity for seed treaters to deliver real value to growers. With innovations such as extended shelf life, no cold-storage requirements, and enhanced nutrient use efficiency, AGTIV® products are setting new standards in the industry.
For seed treaters looking to stay ahead in a competitive market, investing in scientifically backed, reliable solutions like these is a step in the right direction. With the right tools and partners, the future of seed treatment and agriculture is bright!
