b'PARTNER CONTENTBreaking Down SDS Barriers with aNext-Generation Biological Novel seed treatment sets new standard for protection plus proficiency A s growers finish out the year, input decisions for next sea- mechanism against fungi. Delivering early-season vigor for a son are well underway especially in soybean geographiesstronger and more uniform emergence, CeraMax unique mode of impacted by Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). action also provides growers with a new tool in the battle against Once SDS shows up in soybeans, theres no rescue treat- resistance. ment - with yields at the mercy of this yield-robbing disease. And, because infection starts early, seed treatments are becoming theProven Performance Thats Ready-to-Use preventative weapon of choice for growers unwilling to gambleAs reported by Ceradis, in multi-year research trials across 10 against SDS risks in 2022.states, soybeans treated with the addition of CeraMax to Accel-For those seeking new technology in SDS control - there iseron Standard showed significantly lower SDS disease incidence good news. CeraMax biological seed treatment is the industryswith an average yield increase of 4.3 bushels per acre compared to newest innovation for the prevention of soilborne fungal diseasesAcceleron Standard used alone. In todays prices, that equates to a including Fusarium virguliforme, the causal agent of Sudden$50 per acre increase for growers.Death Syndrome (SDS).Beyond its proven efficacy, CeraMax comes in a ready-to-use formulation that provides smooth blending for consistent seed A New Kind of Biological coverage and adhesion. With inherent performance and environmental advantages,Ryan Pottinger, director of blending at Direct Enterprises biologicals provide a new and exciting frontier by way of multi- Inc., says CeraMax provides key advantages that simplify the functional attributes that improve plant health, vigor, and yield.seed treatment blending process. What I like about CeraMax Plus, a level of safety that is not often offered with traditional seedis its compatibility across a broad range of seed treatments, he treatments. says. And because its a byproduct of a fermentation process, Im Jan Stechmann, Vice President of Marketing and Sales forcomfortable putting it into my slurries without worrying about Ceradis Crop Protection, says the rapid adoption of CeraMax indegradation or efficacy issues. CeraMax also has a two-year shelf areas where SDS has a trending history represents an importantlife which is a bonus for maintaining inventory.validation to the markets growing demand for biologicals. Initially registered as a bio fungicide seed treatment for soy-Growers are realizing how biological inputs complement thebeans, CeraMax recently received EPA approval for expanding its plants genetics and traits, as well as traditional crop protectionlabel to corn and wheat. chemistry, he says. By leveraging biologicals and conventionalAs a recap for evaluating CeraMax for 2022: chemistry, we are helping growers become more productive, prof- Protects against soil-borne diseases like Fusarium virguli-itable, and sustainable. forme and Rhizoctonia spp.Stechmann continues by saying that the formulation, ap-Defends against SDS without stress for strong crop establish- plication, and handling of biological products have significantlyment and early season vigor.improved over the last 10 years. CeraMax is a model product for Lowers SDS incidence in soybeans with an average yield what the industry has been waiting for, he says. Its equivalent inincrease of 4.3 bushels per acre.SDS performance to synthetic seed treatments like Ilevo and Sal- Simplifies the seed treatment blending process with a ready-tro but with environmental stewardship features and easier han- to-use formulation.dling, plus better economic value for grower and retailer alike. In conclusion, Stechmann says, CeraMax provides growers Bill Haubner, owner of Direct Enterprises Inc., in Westfield,with maximum protection and value by giving crops the early Ind., concurs with Stechmann. One of the main reasons weadvantage needed to take on the agronomic challenges of the gravitated to CeraMax is because its the first SDS product of itsseason. For retailers looking to add next-generation inputs to kind with a new mode of action and a biological profile that istheir portfolio, CeraMax is a high-performing seed treatment to environmentally-friendly and safe for seed, plant, and beneficialhelp differentiate from the competition while using the power of microbial soil organisms, he says. nature to maximize crop potential, and revenue.CeraMax contains the active ingredient Natamycin, a bio- For more information about CeraMax, go to www.ceradis.com, logical molecule produced by soil bacteria that acts as a defenseor email jan.stechmann@ceradis.com. DECEMBER 2021SEEDWORLD.COM /15'