This week on Seed Speaks we took a closer look at two seed technology products that are making waves in the ag sector in two unique areas — wireworm control in cereals and non-GM, high oleic soybean genetics. The products were chosen as one of Seed World‘s 10 Most Innovative Products for 2022.
First, we spoke with Rebecca Noble, product manager for BASF, about Teraxxa seed treatment. When it comes to wireworm protection, it can be difficult to find a product that eliminates this concern. Enter Teraxxa, a seed treatment created by BASF for use on cereal crops. Teraxxa makes a big promise: to eliminate wireworms and reduce wireworm populations by breaking up their reproductive cycle in wheat.
According to Noble, Teraxxa interferes with nerve signal communication inside the pest, incapacitating it and leading to mortality. This differs from previous products that simply temporarily intoxicated the pest, meaning they could return in later years.
“Growers have been left without a solution to control wireworm for the past 15 years since Lindane left the market. That has created this waterfall moment as wireworms have been left uncontrolled since 2007,” Noble said.
“Even when the problem is isolated, a 50% yield loss on just 20 acres of a 300-acre field can cost a farmer thousands of dollars. This product fills a big gap for cereal growers in yield potential and the land they are farming beyond just cereals. Loss in productivity is a loss in profitability.”
Second, we spoke with Bryan Stobaugh, director of licensing and genetics with the Missouri Soybean Association, which markets SOYLEIC soybeans, a non-GM, high oleic trait patented for use domestically and now internationally that has brought Missouri soybean technology to a new level.
Consumers are increasingly concerned with knowing what’s in their food and where it came from, he said. The identity-preserved systems that help SOYLEIC soybeans deliver performance and functionality also enables full traceability from farm to fork.
The high oleic soybean trait gives farmers the option of growing soybeans for specific markets. Two of those markets in particular are the soybean oil and meal post-crush markets.
“As we look at how food is consumed across the globe, soy is a big piece of that puzzle. We’re excited about the commercialization of this, especially internationally,” he said. “It’s great to see this product used in identity preservation systems in the EU.”
SOYLEIC soybeans can also support farmers’ efforts to meet the 2025 goals of reducing land use impact by 10% while decreasing soil erosion by an additional 25% — making it a sustainable product that minimizes effects on the environment.
Learn more about these innovative products on this week’s episode of Seed Speaks.
—with files from Alex Martin and Ashley Robinson
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