SEPTEMBER 2017 SEEDWORLD.COM / 31 INSIDERS ADVICE FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS Explore the Effects of Biologicals on Plants THERE ARE THREE primary effects that biologicals have on plants: communica- tion between the plant and the microbe, changes in plant gene expression and phys- iological changes. One thing we’ve learned is that differ- ent microbial organisms communicate dif- ferently. For example, there’s a plant root growing through the soil: When it needs nitrogen, it releases a chemical signal into the soil, and if Bradyrhizobium is present, it will migrate to the plant. Once in the rhizosphere, the Bradyrhizobium releases a signal, causing the plant to curl a root hair around the Bradyrhizobium. This is the beginning of the nodulation process to make nitrogen. This is just one of many communica- tions mechanisms between plants and microbials. In the case of Trichoderma, it emits signals to plant roots, which then trigger changes in gene expression in the plant. The gene expression relies on signaling cascades, meaning one change has a compound effect, triggering other key systems in the plant. An example of how a plant might respond at the molecular level is chang- ing its biochemical pathways. As the Trichoderma colonizes the roots, it sends a signal to the plant, telling it to upregu- late the whole biochemical pathways. One such pathway is the Reactive Oxygen Cycling pathway, which is what plants use to purge free radicals, or toxins, from their cells. If the plant can’t eliminate the toxins, DNA and protein can become damaged leading to decreased photosynthesis and yield. Plants use their own biochemistry to convert free radicals to a harmless state. By upregulating biochemical path- ways, as in the example above, plant cells are better able to mitigate stressors, such as drought, high heat, disease and so on, thus enabling the plant to perform at its highest potential even in the pres- ence of stress. While the effect of bio- logicals on plant performance appears simple, the colonization, signaling and plant responses suggest a synergy that is elegant in its complexity. MOLLY CADLE-DAVIDSON, ABM CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER @ABM1st • Mollycadle-davidson@abm1st.com • abm1st.com WITH THE VALUE of seed reaching new levels each year and the investments in cutting-edge research continuing to play such a large part in the development of new products, it is no wonder that the impor- tance of handling seed gently and effi- ciently continues to gain acceptance and popularity in a wider range of operations. In the past, it was common for gentle handling techniques to be used by the industry whenever handling processed bulk seed. The increased investment in cleaning, sorting, grading and condi- tioning seed easily justified the use of smooth-wall bins, belt conveyors, seed ladders and other cushioning devices, especially by retail locations and seed treatment operations. It was less common to see these techniques used by growers until recently. While low commodity prices and tight margins have growers looking at ways to pinch pennies and cut costs, they’re also looking at ways to increase profit on what they’re already doing. One of the things growers are looking at is the return on investment for imple- menting equipment that allows for more gentle handling options, such as seed tenders with belt conveyors. On the other end of the spectrum, seed producers are now receiving premi- ums from seed companies for delivering seed to production plants that is cleaner and shows less damage out of the field. These premiums alone have convinced Quality Seed Handling — From Beginning to End JASON KAEB KSI CONVEYORS DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT @jasonkaeb_ksi • JasonKaeb@ksiconveyors.com • KSiConveyors.com many seed producers to replace augers with belt conveyors to fill and unload bins. Working to deliver a higher quality product and taking advantage of premi- ums is one way growers and producers can add a little cushion to their bottom lines. Remember: At KSi, we’ve seen that once these growers and seed produc- ers start using our conveyors, they end up using them for more than just the intended purpose. Growers say they enjoy the quality construction, quiet operation, energy savings and safety features so much, they begin to use them for han- dling grain and other materials. This only furthers the use and acceptance of these handling methods.