b'SEED TREATMENT APPLICATIONSThe Power of Trust in Research and Development GREG MILLER Director of R&D, Summit Seed Coatingsgreg.miller@summitseedcoatings.comsummitseedcoatings.comWITH NEARLY 20years in seed research, I began in 2006seed research, I started in 2006 focused on internal R&D. Now, focused on internal R&Danalyzing and refining seed tech- approaching one year at Summit Seed Coatings, I work closely nologies in the lab. Now, nearing my one-year mark at Summitwith customersproving that the best innovations grow from Seed Coatings, my role blends research with direct customertrust, communication, and collaboration.collaboration. This shift has underscored a key lesson: theIn my experience, one of the best ways to foster trust is best innovations come from trust, communication, and sharedthrough face-to-face interactions in comfortable settings. For problem-solving. example, I recently met with a client in a sandwich shop. This Traditional R&D often focuses on internal improvementsinformal setting allowed for a relaxed, open discussion where the with limited outside input. Real progress, however, comes fromcustomer felt comfortable sharing challenges. Over lunch, we dis-collaborating with farmers, seed companies, and agronomists cussed the roadblocks they faced and explored solutions. Sure! ensuring research tackles real-world challenges, not just lab- Heres a shortened version:based innovations. That conversation deepened our understanding of their needs One of the biggest shifts in my career has been moving fromand will result in a customized seed coating solution.internal research to a customer-focused approach. Now, I workBuilding trust takes time, but its worth it. When customers directly with customers to understand their challenges and alignsee were focused on solving problemsnot just sellingthey research with their needswhether its improving plantability,collaborate more openly, leading to better results. At Summit seed flow, or integrating biologicals. The best R&D comes fromSeed Coatings, this philosophy guides our work every day. By collaboration. prioritizing trust and collaboration, we hope to continue driving When it comes to building meaningful relationships withmeaningful innovations in seed coatings that support the entire respective clients, trust is the foundation. With nearly 20 years inagricultural community.CHITOSAN SEED TREATMENTSeedling Emergence, the Power of Seed Treatments and EnhancementsLEVI TIPTON Seed Treatment Account Manager, Tidal Grow AgriSciencetidalgrowag.comLevi.Tipton@tidalgrowag.comTHERES SOMETHING DEEPLYsatisfying about seeing aThe same goes for insect pressure. Seeds lingering in soil are field full of newly emerged seedlings in the spring. Its a vis- prime targets for pests like SCN and root-feeding larvae. But ible promise of whats to comea sign that the season is offwhen seedlings emerge even a day or two earlier, pests have less to a strong start. But beyond the emotional boost it gives us,chance to cause damage. That small timing shift can significantly fast seedling emergence plays a crucial role in crop perfor- boost plant health and productivity.mance, impacting everything from yield potential to stress tolerance. Stronger Tolerance to Abiotic StressWe cant control the weather, but we can help crops thrive A Competitive Advantage despite it. Faster emergence boosts vigor and stand establish-Early germination gives crops a critical edge. Fast-emergingment, making plants more resilient to drought and temperature seedlings quickly develop strong roots, securing nutrients, water,swings. The earlier a crop grows and photosynthesizes, the and sunlight. The sooner they establish, the better they outcom- better it handles stress all season.pete weeds. This jumpstart supports a uniform stand and more consistent yields at harvest. A Simple Yet Powerful StrategySoil-borne pathogens like Pythium and Fusarium are notori- In crop production, every day counts. Even slightly faster ous for attacking crops pre-emergence with lingering issuesemergence boosts weed competition, disease avoidance, pest post-emergence, with the impact on yieldnot evident untilresistance, and stress tolerance. While it may seem like a small harvest. The longer a seed lingers in the soil, the more vulnerablefactor in the big picture of farming, its often these early-season it becomes to these yield-robbing diseases. Speeding up emer- advantages that pave the way for a successful harvest. When gence helps crops avoid prolonged exposure, allowing them tothose first green shoots break through the soil, the crop ison the establish before infections take hold. right track. And thats a feeling that never gets old.50/ SEEDWORLD.COMINTERNATIONAL EDITION 2025'