seed treatments in all cropping systems (horticulture, vine, row crops, vegetables, tree fruits and nuts as well as turf and ornamentals) to manage and control plant pathogens, insect and nematode pests. They can be used either alone or as part of IPM programs because of they offer unique modes of action and have low impact on the environment and human health. SW: What do we know about how biologicals can complement traits? MH: Simply put, biologicals are part of a holistic approach to maximizing yield potential. Biologicals help crops maxi- mize their genetic potential, which maximizes the grower’s return on investment and ulti- mately increases yield poten- tial for the grower. AV: Biologicals, when used as seed treatment, can help with improved germination rates, plant stand and vegeta- tive vigor. Upon successful establishment of plants with traits, biologicals with differ- ent modes of action on pests may offer additional benefits in pest control. SW: Can we expect changes in the plant? If so what? MH: The biological prod- ucts can manifest or initiate changes that help the plant’s growth. Good examples are rhizobia and bacillus, which are bacteria-based biological products that are frequently used by farmers today. DECEMBER 2017 SEEDWORLD.COM / 35 Rhizobia, in inoculants like Vault, form nodules in partner- ship with legumes, such as soybeans, where the bacteria convert nitrogen from the air into a form that can be used by the plant as a nitrogen fer- tilizer. In exchange, the plant trades sugars that the bacteria use as an energy source. Another example is bacil- lus, like our new Velondis Flex, that we are expecting EPA approval of soon. The bac- teria in Velondis Flex starts a mechanism known as Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR) in plants. Think of ISR like a flu shot in individuals that helps prevent us from getting ill. Activation of ISR allows the plant to protect itself, making it less likely for disease organ- isms to invade it. AV: Many biologicals aris- ing from natural microbes with their active secondary metabolites have shown mobility of molecules through the plants after foliar or soil applications. These metabo- lites have been shown to elicit immune responses in plants and alter plant metabolism for protection against fungal pathogens. Other microbes have shown to induce dis- tinct metabolic changes in a synergistic fashion to increase critical metabolic functions in plants leading to better fruit quality. SW: When should they be used/not used? When is it most effective/not effective? MH: Biologicals complement the plant’s genetics and traits, as well as chemical seed treat- ment, maximizing the grow- er’s return on investment. Not meant to replace conventional seed treatments, biologicals are most effective when they complement them. We see biologicals growing to be an important factor in coming years. It is less about one or the other, but how the different modes of action from chemistry and biologi- cals work within integrated programs for growers to address their challenging and ever-evolving needs. AV: Effective use varies with the type of applied bio- logical and the targeted pest. Biologicals can be applied from the seed treatment stage to the fruit/crop protection stage. They can be applied singly or in combination with conventional products as an Integrated Pest Management strategy. Many biologicals can be applied up until harvest due to low risk to farm workers and minimal, if any, residue limits on biologicals. Such applica- tions are highly desirable for both worker safety and to consumers. Many biologicals, due to their inherently lower relative activity to that of highly potent synthetic chemi- cals, may find lower efficacy in high pest pressure situations. Like conventional pesticides, they should be applied when diseases and pests first appear. SW: What do we not know that we’d like to? MH: We know the potential biologicals can add to farm- er’s outcomes, so at BASF we are continuously searching for new and novel technologies that can complement tradi- tional agricultural practices. There are many organisms in nature that have not been Within the university and research communities, resources are being put into R&D on biologi­ cals to drive innovation and shape the future for new biological products.