INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2026 SEEDWORLD.COM / 63 ment remain top priorities for growers. Bäsel points to Bayer’s new biological bird repellent, Ibisio®, as an example of innovation meeting farmer needs. Made from black pepper oleoresin, this product provides a strong environmental profile while matching market standards for early-season seed protection. Emergency authorizations across several European markets are already giving farmers hands- on experience with the product. Bayer’s long-running biological suc cess story, Serenade®, reinforces the importance of consistency. Powered by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain QST713, this product has earned global confi dence through reliable performance, compatibility with IPM, pollinator friendli ness and soil health benefits, qualities that growers increasingly value. At Corteva, Hazel highlights biologicals such as Poncho® Votivo®, which combines a chemical insecticide with a biological nematicide to deliver healthier stands and an average 5.1 bu/A yield advantage in corn compared to chemical-only treat ments. Another example is Lumialza®, which colonizes the root zone to form a biological barrier against nematodes and has shown a 3.7 bu/A yield benefit even in low-pressure environments. These results, Hazel notes, reinforce growers’ under standing that biologicals can be both sustainable and highly effective. The Future of Biologicals Market Growth Innovation and Global Guidance Looking ahead, the experts see bio logical seed treatments accelerating in Non-treated corn seeds vs seeds treated with bird repellent Ibisio. SOURCE: BAYER Laboratory research plays a critical role in developing biological seed treatments, ensuring product stability, compatibility within seed treatment packages, and consistent field performance. SOURCE: INCOTEC both adoption and importance. Gaffney envisions a future shaped by rising expectations for sustainability, increasing regulatory complexity and the need for more diverse modes of action. Shared definitions, science-based evaluation and clear communication will be crucial to unlocking their potential. Hazel emphasizes that global guid ance, such as the guide, will help align stakeholders, enable collaboration and encourage more consistent regulatory pathways. These elements will be critical for speeding innovation and bringing new biologicals to market. Meanwhile, Bäsel expects significant market expansion in the coming years. He notes that the EMEA market for biocontrol and biostimulants is projected to double by 2030, reaching €8 billion. Industry-wide efforts to educate growers, policymakers and value chain partners will be essential to sustaining this growth. “The guide will serve as a valuable educational resource,” he adds, helping raise awareness of biological seed treat ments and the innovations driving them forward. A New Era for Seed-Applied Innovation Biological seed treatments are reshaping the seed sector’s innovation landscape. They bring new modes of action, support IPM, improve soil health and create more resilient cropping systems while aligning with global sustainability goals. Yet they also face considerable challenges: vari able regulations, technical hurdles and lingering skepticism. Through harmonization efforts, scien tific rigor and effective communication, the seed sector has a real opportunity to accelerate biological adoption and unlock unprecedented value for growers. As agriculture confronts climate, regulatory and sustainability pressures, biologicals are poised to become an indispensable part of the seed treatment toolbox, strengthening seeds, supporting farmers and expanding the future possibili ties of sustainable crop production. SW
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