Technologies that enable farmers to make better use of limited agricultural resources
Farmers need all the technology available in the market to assist them in producing food sustainably.
Apart from using modern cultivation methods and machinery, successful farming depends on the correct identification of problems and challenges and deciding what the best solution for these would be says Jurgens Minnaar, Seedcare Business Manager for South Africa.
Minnaar leads Syngenta Seedcare team in delivering sustainable seed care solutions to crop farmers across the country. “Syngenta aims to improve the sustainability, quality, and safety of agriculture with worldclass science and innovative crop solutions,” he says.
“Our technologies enable millions of farmers around the world to make better use of limited agricultural resources. At Syngenta Seedcare we are passionate about co-creating solutions that add value to both the farmer’s and Syngenta’s businesses. Our ambition has always been to be innovative and collaborative to enable our customers’ investments to grow from seeds to young plants.”
Insects and soil pests pose significant challenges to farmers, threatening yields as well as the quality of the harvests by harming the crop while also opening pathways for disease. The ability of insects to constantly evolve, coupled with the impact of climate change, has caused shifts in the insect spectrum and, consequently, infestation pressure on farms.
“Our novel seed treatment and biological portfolio brings next-level sustainability in pest control as it offers farmers greater flexibility in farming decisions while promoting healthy plant establishment,” notes Minnaar. Our solutions focus on managing plant stress, nutrients and the impacts of pests and diseases.”
To support farmers, Syngenta Seedcare has added ATUVA®, an inoculant for legumes, to its soybean crop care portfolio.
Minnaar explains that ATUVA® is a seed- and soil‑applied rhizobia bacteria inoculant that promotes nodulation in pulse and soybean crops for effective biological nitrogen fixation. The new line of inoculants is the result of Syngenta’s collaboration with RIZOBACTER, an Argentinian company recognised for its work in agricultural microbiology and inoculant research.
He further points out that one of the biggest challenges farmers face today is the invisible nature of nematodes. “Syngenta Seedcare has unique screening capabilities and innovative mapping systems that detect the presence of nematodes.”
He also emphasises that seed treatments are the first line of defence against harmful nematodes and other soil-borne insects and diseases. “By treating your seed, you improve the seed and seedlings’ ability to withstand early season pests and diseases – giving them the best start possible. Seed treatments are immediate, consistent, and reliable and are generally considered safe when used according to label instructions.”
Syngenta’s AVICTA COMPLETE is a combination of CRUISER White, MAXIM® Quattro, and AVICTA, providing protection from day one against nematodes, insects and soil- and seed-borne fungal diseases.
Lastly Minnaar points out that integrated pest management programmes on farms can be supported by the entire Syngenta portfolio, including the latest biocontrol products.
“These innovations demonstrate our commitment to bringing novel, efficient solutions to growers, helping safeguard yields. Combined with our leading conventional seed treatment portfolio, our new products will offer a unique value proposition in a fast-changing agricultural landscape.”
