b'Create a Seed TreatmentHOLLY LITTLERESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Program to Stop Threats MANAGER, ACADIAN PLANT HEALTHhlittle@acadian.caacadianplanthealth.com acadianplanthealthEVEN WITH GREATgenetics,non-growing season. No-till and low-seeds are vulnerable from the timetill farmers should highly consider of planting to when crop standinsecticides as part of their seed is established. From seed-lovingtreatment plan.To Nurture Soil Health, we Must larvae to wet soil, your yield can beMitigate Abiotic Stress from negatively impacted by a variety ofEnvironmental Influences: Droughtsgo Beyond Short-Term Fixesexternalities before crops germi- and floods create stress for seeds nate. Farmers who have experiencedand crops. When you plant into wetIN THE REALM OFagriculture, the buzz often tough years in the past know howsoil, theres a higher likelihood ofrevolves around immediate solutions and quick fixes valuable a seed treatment investmentabiotic stress, pathogen infection,to enhance productivity. Our industry often finds itself can be. The biggest threats to seedsand increased soil compaction. Wetcaught in a web of short-term mitigation strategies, and early crop development aresoil and fluctuating weather, includ- addressing nutrient deficiencies with chemical solu-pests, diseases, and environmentaling unexpected temperatures, cantions, and overlooking the balance required for long-stressors. So, most seed treatmentalso force growers to plant later interm sustainability.programs include multiple modes- the season. Nematicides, inoculants,I had the opportunity to give a talk on biostimulants of-action to optimize seed geneticflow additives, biostimulants, andand regenerative agriculture at the Biostimulants World potential. Heres how to stop thenutrients help seeds grow, despiteCongress late last year. The worlds largest event on three biggest threats to seed with aabiotic stress. Seed treatments canplant biostimulants brought together more than 1,400 seed treatment program includingsupport root development, increaseprofessionals from 70 countries and 600 companies. I fungicides, insecticides, and abioticgermination and stand establish- shared my insights on how biostimulants can empower stress reducers. ment, reduce abiotic stress, and feedfarmers to answer the call for regenerative agriculture, Deter Pests with Insecticides: Abeneficial microbes. Activated ben- which aims to improve soil health, biodiversity, and coating of insecticides can protecteficial microbes increase germination,ecosystem services. I also discussed some of the latest your seeds from below and aboveimprove soil conditions, and mitigatescientific discoveries and innovations in biostimulant ground insects and larva. Its anabiotic stress for seeds and crops.research and development. Those insights included extra deterrent where its mostPlan Your Seed Treatment Now:how our products embody a philosophy that goes needed. The specifically placed,Each year, growers make a bet, andbeyond immediate gains. Its about leaving the land high-concentration pesticide isthen wait for the cards to be dealt.better than we found it, ensuring that future genera-considered a regenerative practiceThose left with a losing hand willtions can continue to farm.compared to insecticide sprays. Itwish they invested in insurance forMy journey into the world of soil health research has helps growers protect crops froma better hand. Between 20-40%taught me the importance of focusing not just on plant various insects without causing run- of agriculture production is lost togrowth but on the often-overlooked aspect of building off or leaching. No-till practices pro- pests and diseases annually, worthorganic matter in the soil. The challenge with organic tect the soil microbiome but meansroughly $290 billion globally. Dontmatter lies in its temporal nature. The process of build-your spring seeds are at risk for pestlet your farm add to the losses.ing it is gradual and demands a holistic approach. It infestations. Post-harvest residueWork with a trusted crop adviserrequires an examination of residues left in the soil, the improves soil physical propertiesto create a seed treatment plan toaugmentation of microbial populations, and the symbi-and reduces soil erosion during theprotect your crops from pests, dis- otic relationship with plant growth.eases, and environmental stressors. Our research reveals some crucial insights about our technology. While its impact on soil organic matter is incremental, theres a clear and tangible improvement in plant growthboth root and shoot development. The key lies in leaving residues in the field, allowing nature to take its course and contribute to the organic matter over time. The conventional agricultural prac-CASSIDY MILLION tices weve embraced, particularly tillage, have inad-DIRECTOR OF AG SCIENCE OF HELIAEvertently stripped our soils of organic matter. AGRICULTURE Its time to shift our focus towards strategies that CMillion@heliae.com not only boost short-term productivity but lay the phycoterra.com groundwork for long-term ecological resilience.38/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2024'