14 / SEEDWORLD.COM JUNE 2017 ments are a great complementary tool to support and extend the lifetime of biotech traits.” Looking Forward While seed treatment companies are still developing chemical ingredients to address insect and pathogen pressures, there is growing emphasis on biological solutions. Adding micronutri- ents or bacteria that can stimulate root growth and strengthen plants are becoming more effective. “Combined with chemical crop protection agents, biologi- cals can contribute to fighting resistance and extending effi- cacy,” Gruss says. “Biologicals based on microbes are known to have season-long effects on their surroundings, something we refer to as plant-microbe interactions. “These intimate relationships contribute to soil and root health by multiple pathways: from altering the plant’s develop- ment and architecture to enhanced nutrient uptake.” Reisinger likens the promise of biologicals to going from defense to offense. Whereas many chemical ingredients used in treatments ward off disease or pest pressure, biological com- ponents have the ability to significantly boost performance. “You need that great defensive package to protect that plant. And that’s what seed treatment does today,” Reisinger says. “We’ll still need that base set of defense, but offense is pretty interesting.” In a perfectly controlled greenhouse setting, for example, Reisinger has seen soybeans reach 200 bushels per acre because nothing inhibits the plant’s ability to reach its full potential. Adding biological components that aid in nitrogen utilization or root development can get growers closer to those clinical settings. “We’re able to assist the plant’s genetic components to reach their potential,” he says. Verdesian’s Seevers adds that improving nutrient uptake also addresses some of the environmental stewardship issues some growers face. If plants can better use nitrogen, for example, growers would see more fertilizer incorporated into their crops, decreasing the likelihood of those nutrients reaching bodies of water. That could help decrease regulatory pressure as well. “We are looking at seed treatments mostly for protection and yield enhancements, but maybe they can also be helpful for the environment,” Seevers says. Those added benefits will be key. With commodity prices still low, growers may be skeptical of biological products. Biopesticides have a reputation for lower activity than chemical counterparts, but they can be a good resistance management strategy. Biological and other types of yield-enhancement only products provide some benefits, but consistency is often not high enough for some growers. This can make them a tough sell under current economic conditions. “It’s going to be a bit of a struggle,” he says. Gruss says one of the keys to improving those efficiencies is expanding the scope of research and development. Bayer and other companies collaborate with third-party firms to bolster innovation in the field. “The crops of the future will have to deliver top performance. Our researchers are seeking to systematically optimize the yield potential of crops,” Gruss says. “They work with all technologies available, in particular breeding, traits and biologicals. SW