b'PROTECTING INNOVATIONCommitment of Seed Companies in the Vegetable SectorSEED INNOVATIONSare a crucial part of feed- lines wont hit commercial fields for seven to 16 years. ing a hungry planet, but do most people under- They have to have their finger on the pulse of growers stand what this commitment means? Im not sure evenand consumers unmet needs as they decipher their most people who have been in the seed industry forwork. Product differentiation, taste, quality, nutrient/many years understand the commitment, the time, thewater stress management, mechanical harvest poten-resources and the dedication it takes to meet grow- tial, shelf life, harvest loss minimization, etc., contribute ers and consumers unmet needs. For this article letsto what consumers want to choose from in grocery focus on vegetables. shelves. Those are the basics.ELOY CORONA is theLets always start with customers.What do growers executive director ofexpect of their seed companies?My experience with the Seed Innovationgrowers for earning their business is a commitment to and Protection Allianceseed varieties/hybrids that produce high yields, qual- Seed innovations require a significant (SIPA). ity and consumer demand that keep their operating costs/unit down and their profitability potential high.commitment of talented people, resources, and Vegetable seed companies focus on delivering prod- a germplasm pool over a long period of time to ucts that consumers demand with good shelf life to reduce spoilage at the grower shelf. meet growers and consumers unmet needs. Yield, according to plant breeders is a function of genetic potential, environment and managementthe old yield = f(genetic potential x environment x manage-ment) equation. A growers own farm yield is gener- Over the last two to three decades we have seen ally challenged with many types of stresses related toan explosion of new vegetables to meet consum-this equation: soil type, fertility, moisture availabilityers unmet demands whether on their plate or in their during season, planting dates, plant populations, pests,gardens. A plethora of abundant and nutritious veg-diseases, weeds, weather events, timing, heat units,etable choices are now available compared to the past. seed treatments, harvest season and so much more!Cultivars that produce in stressful climates and provide Growers look for a seed innovation solution that helpsa dependable supply of food choices. reduce the nickel and dime reduction in yield potentialVegetable seed companies must continually inno-and quality that happen on the farm. vate in order to earn a growers seed business and Plant breeders focus on continually increasing theconsumer acceptance and must reinvest approximately yield potential of their elite lines through old and new20-30% of revenues (turnover) back into new seed plant breeding techniques. Both have a place, butinnovations. Dont forget to factor in the many different todays new plant breeding techniques offer faster andcrops seed and outdoor and controlled environment more precise understanding how to move two stepsagriculture scenarios companies may be committed to.forward without taking a step backward! In-depthSeed innovations require a significant commitment understanding on what part of the genome is respon- of talented people, resources, and a germplasm pool sible for yield, disease tolerance, stress mitigation, fruitover a long period of time to meet growers and con-setting, mechanical harvest potential and harvest losssumers unmet needs.minimization is a very complicated situation, but itsAs of Nov. 15, the 8 billionth global citizen entered amazing at what todays plant breeders can and arethis world eager to be fed!doing! And theyre doing it knowing that theyre newDo you have that commitment?SW32/ SEEDWORLD.COMLATAM'