b'PARTNER CONTENTBoost Germination and Yield PotentialBy: Tim EyrichVP Agronomy F or so long, weve focused on 2X2 Solves a crop production problemfertilizer applications to boost theWeve worked with FBS Transit for more crop in those early seedling andthan a decade, it was a natural fit to put on vegetative stagesbut what has been donethe seed. We had to make sure the nutrient to bolster germination? Weve long reliedmixes we added, in combination with that on the reserves within the seed, but webiostimulant, had no phytotoxic effects.havent traditionally grown seed for highFBSciences is driven by science, and nutritional value.proving the efficacy of our technologies Theres a better way to give the crop theand products through independent re-best possible start than relying on the ge- search and trials is crucial to providing the netics of the seed alone. You only get onebest possible products to our customers. chance to get a good stand. In our researchTo test the SuperSede line in all grow-were finding there is a better way to feeding conditions, we have our own growth the seed from the start. What we do knowchambers to screen each formulation. So, is that it is essential to support the numer- well treat the seed and set the growth ous metabolic and physiological processeschambers to be like an environment the that are initiated in the seed followingseed will be indifferent temperatures, hydration including respiration for energy,moisture levels, etc. After that we look at transcription of genes for germination andthe percent germination after 10 to 12 days the proteins they produce, cell division,Tim Eyrich has worked as an agronomist for(depending on the crop type), measure cell orientation, and cell differentiation.more than 40 years and specializes in cropdry mass and root mass. This helps us see This presents an enormous opportunitynutrition and yield enhancement. He serveswhat formulations have the best outcome for growers. By enhancing and supportingas FBSciences Vice President of Agronomy. per crop.these processes with targeted nutritionIn fact, its broken down more than and a highly bioactive biostimulant weand giving growers the best chance forthat. Well watch a time lapse to look at the can unlock the genetic potential to propela strong, uniform stand. This led to thedifference in germination at 24-, 36- and the crop out of the ground, increasingdevelopment of FBSciences SuperSede48-hour intervals. We want to keep plants emergence and stand uniformity to deliverline of seed treatment products, includingemerging as close to the same time as pos-results and increased ROI to the grower.SuperSede Soybean, Small Grains, Cotton,siblethe wider the variation in emer-Germination makes a big differenceand Corn. Each product focuses on thegence, the more likely some plants will when it comes to yield at the end of thenutrition needs of the specific crop.become weeds to their neighbors.seasoninconsistency means plantsFor example, in SuperSede SoybeansCompared to untreated, were seeing compete with each other and pollinate atwe use a high moly formulation with lowerfar greater consistency and faster ger-different times, leading to a whole hostamounts of complementary boron, cobaltminationsometimes three to four days of other challenges. Knowing the crucialand zinc. SuperSede Cotton is primarily afaster. To put number to consistency, we role germination plays, we spent years justboron formulation and for corn and smallsee 90% to 95% emerging at the same time, studying how seeds germinate and thegrains (monocots) we focus on zinc andcompared to around 80% for untreated.impact of nutrients and our biostimulantmanganese.Ultimately, we know that growers only FBS Transit at germination. The composi- get one chance to get a good stand. By tion of FBSciences biostimulant is ex- Research Proves Efficacy providing tailored nutrition paired with tremely bioactive, allowing for a high levelIm an agronomist, have been for 40 years.the crop propulsion capabilities of our FBS of consistency with a low use rate. WithMy top priorities when were creatingTransit biostimulant, we can maximize hundreds of seed trials on FBS Transit, wesomething new, like the SuperSede line ofthe genetic potential of the seed. An im-learned that the propulsion from the bios- seed treatments, is to make sure it: provement in germination and emergence timulant paired with specifically tailored Doesnt harm the crop has exponential benefits to yield at the end nutrition creates a synergistic catalyst, Creates measurable benefits of the season, driving productivity and improving germination and emergence, Has clear ROI increasing ROI for growers. FEBRUARY 2022SEEDWORLD.COM /31'