b'Climate Crossroads: COP28 CASSIDY MILLIONDIRECTOR OF AG SCIENCEand the Biostimulant SolutionOF HELIAE AGRICULTURE THE 2023 UNITED NATIONSClimate Change CMillion@heliae.com Conference (COP28), a pivotal gathering dedi-phycoterra.comcated to addressing climate change, took place just last month in Dubai, and gave the world an opportunity to assess the profound implications of climate change on crop production. 3 Keys to Spring Planting Success: MicrobialThe world needs critical players in both the public and private sector to help address the multi-Soil Food, Inoculants, Seed Treatments faceted challenges posed by climate change.From an agricultural perspective, two critical DID YOU KNOW SEEDtreat- agriculture practices by loweringareas demand our attention.ments have been around for overpesticide use. Decreased usage of Soil health: This stands as the cornerstone 300 years? For centuries, grow- sprayed pesticides is good for pro- of crop agriculture and carbon cycling, playing ers experimented with seed treat- tecting essential pollinators. Its alsoa pivotal role in carbon sequestration. This pro-ments to protect seeds and promotebeneficial for growershelping themcess involves storing carbon in the soil, primarily growth. Today, supporting seedsto save money on product, labor andthrough plant biomass. However, it is essential that includes investing in seed treatmentsdiesel. Plus, active microbes help yourthe soil remains vibrant for this cycle to function and inoculants, stacked with innova- fertilizer applications go further.effectively. Unfortunately, current practices are tive technologies, like a superior soilSome crops need seed treat- causing accelerated soil erosion. Acadians sea-microbial food, to support germina- ments, some need inoculants, andweed extract-based tools help remedy this.tion, stand establishment, and yieldsome need both. Inoculants can Abiotic Stress: This is responsible for a sub-production.include rhizobiaand brady rhizo- stantial 70% of crop losses, and poses a significant Traditional seed treatmentsbium bacteria known for supportingchallenge that we are determined to address. protect seeds from pathogenicsoybeans, cotton, peanuts, potatoes,Biostimulants like Acadians technology stimulate diseases, insects, and pests, aiding inand cover crop roots. These bacteriaa physiological response in plants to switch on the enhanced seedling emergence andfix nitrogen for plants to access innatural defense to stress, including an increase in plant vigor. Today, many seed treat- exchange for carbon. Inoculants canroot biomass, which fosters greater soil carbon ments include layers of chemicals,also include biofertilizers or biopesti- content and a more productive microbiome.biological organisms, microbial food,cides. Biofertilizers promote growthOur dedication to compatibility transcends our and/or a nutrient material to supportby stimulating roots and increasingown technologies. Our strategic partner in Brazil, emergence, stand, and early seasonnutrient availability. Biopesticides killKoppert do Brasil, specializes in biocontrol solu-benefits. When seeds arent treated,pests or reduce pest food availability.tions that employ fungi and bacteria to combat pathogens, nematodes, and insectsInvesting in biofertilizers or biopes- plant diseases. The amalgamation of our technolo-can stress plants and damage orticides reduces plant disease and/orgies yields a synergistic effect. It is akin to starting kill seeds and seedlings, resulting instress and increases yield.off with a robust, healthy crop rather than attempt-early season diseases, poor nutrientAdding a superior microbial fooding to protect a distressed one, a concept validated uptake, reduced stand establishment,to your seed treatment supportsby data supporting this one-plus-one-equals-three and/or potential yield loss.soil health and stimulates microbialapproach.Look for fast-acting seed treat- activity in the spermosphere, whereAs a company, we lead by example, showcasing ments compatible with your seedthe seeds first interact with the soil.the advantages we bring to sustainable agricul-genetics and soil. Protect your seedsInnovative seed treatments that feedture. While the journey may be from known diseases and peststhe seed and soil microbes create ancomplex, it is indispensable for and provide them with nutrientsenvironment to support germination,the future of our planet.they need. Essential additives, likestand establishment, vigor, and early seed and soil microbial food, easilycrop development to maximize yield incorporate with your current seedpotential. treatments. Seed treatments canThe utilization of a new, innovativeJAMES MAUDEhelp improve soil health, crop health,seed treatment technology will helpSENIOR VP PORTFOLIO increase yield potential, and creategive you the advantage over tradi- DEVELOPMENT, ACADIAN PLANT HEALTHbetter food quality.tional seed treatments and inoculants acadianplanthealth.comSeed treatments help growersto help combat the increasing yield @acadianplanthealthsave money and support sustainableand quality needs.jmaude@acadian.caJANUARY 2024SEEDWORLD.COM /35'