b'SEED TREATMENT APPLICATIONHow Customer Conversations Are Driving Innovation at SummitJOSEPH YOUNG Director of Business Development, Summit Seed Coatingsjoseph.young@summitseedcoatings.comWHEN I JOINED SUMMIT,the first thing I noticed was howdistributors to understand their daily realities; working closely often customer conversations opened doors to new opportuni- with our technical team to explore new formulations; piloting ties. Instead of starting with a list of products or services, I startsolutions quietly, learning from the results and adjusting before with a simple question: whats blocking your success? scaling up and piloting solutions, learning and refining before That shift in mindsetfrom selling to listeningchangedscaling up.how we approach growth. We dont just process seed. We lookThis approach creates new products and builds trust. for ways to solve real problems for our partners, even when thoseCustomers see we dont brush off their challengeswe take problems fall outside of the crops weve traditionally worked with. them seriously and put resources into finding an answer.For example, a customer might come to us because of ourThe vegetable seed space is notoriously difficult. Lettuce, car-expertise in forage seed. But in the course of conversation, theyllrots, onions and cucurbits all come with their own quirks. But by mention a challenge with carrot or onion seed, or even withcollaborating with customers who are already trusted partners in biofuel crops that need to germinate reliably in low-moistureother areas, were finding ways to expand into these crops with-conditions. In the past, those insights might have been filed awayout overpromising or underdelivering.as not our area. Now, theyre often the spark for innovation.Breaking into new crops and markets isnt about chasingFrom Toll Processor to Solutions Providertrends. Its about listening carefully, spotting patterns and testingThe seed industry is rapidly evolving.Water scarcity, climate ideas. When customers across geographies tell us they needvariability and shifting market demands mean that the chal-better solutions for vegetable seed coatings, or coatings thatlenges growers face are more complex. For Summit, that means can handle drought conditions, we pay attention. evolving toofrom a company that simply provides processing At Summit, that means: meeting with growers, dealers andcapacity to one that acts as a solutions partner.CHITOSAN SEED TREATMENTChitosan Meets MicrobesAnd Crops Reap the RewardSARAH BUDDE-RODRIGUEZ Tidal Grow AgriScience Agronomy Solutions Managersarah.rodriguez@tidalgrowag.comPRECISELY FORMULATED CHITOSANis a powerful tool inpathogens for space while producing antimicrobial compounds. sharpening a seed treatment program. When chitosan is appliedTogether, they form a living barrier that strengthens the plants to the seed, it can increase germination, speed to emergence anddefense system. In practical terms, this means stronger early improve plant vigor, stand establishment and plant uniformity. root systems, faster canopy closure and healthier plants that can Whats often overlooked is the synergistic relationshipbetter handle the unpredictable conditions farmers face.between chitosan-treated seed and nearby plant growth-pro- Chitosan and PGPBs help plants handle salt stress. Chitosan moting bacteria (PGPB). These beneficial microbes produce phy- stimulates osmolyte accumulation, such as proline, that protects tohormones that improve overall plant health and help defendplant cells during stressful conditions.against pathogens. Together, chitosan and PGPBs strengthenIn one asparagus study, the combination of chitosan and the plants stress responses, enhance nutrient uptake and boostBacillus amyloliquefaciens increased emergence rate, nitrate disease resistance. This dual benefit is especially important inlevels, root and shoot weight and overall plant health. Similar todays production systems, where crops face biological, chemi- outcomes have been seen in cereals, soybeans and horticultural cal and environmental stressors that demand a resilient start. crops, reinforcing that this synergy isnt limited to one crop type.Both chitosan and PGPBs act as elicitors of plant innateFrom a crop protection perspective, chitosan primes the immunity, influencing defense hormones like salicylic acid, jas- plants immune system while PGPBs release antimicrobial com-monic acid and ethylene. They also affect auxin biosynthesis andpounds that target pathogens and nematodes. Some studies transportkey drivers of root growth. show chitosan can increase PGPB populations in the soil.Research suggests chitosan can shape plant host responsesWhen precisely formulated, chitosan doesnt just play well through immune signaling or via root exudates that indirectlywith microbes, it makes them even more powerful partners. The support PGPB colonization. Once established, PGPBs expandkey is matching the right formulation to the right biologicals to root development and occupy root surfaces, outcompetingunlock consistent, measurable field performance.36/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2025'