Industrial Seed Treatment market expanding in Brazil, says researcher at Embrapa Soja

The adoption of Industrial Seed Treatment (IST) shows an expanding market with optimistic expectations for the next five years in Brazil, according to José de Barros França-Neto, a researcher at Embrapa Soja (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation). 

During a panel at the XXII Brazilian Seed Congress (CBSementes 2024), held last week in Paraná, Brazil, França-Neto presented a detailed survey on IST, highlighting its evolution over recent years and new trends for the future.

The survey, which involved 61 companies from 12 Brazilian states, including cooperatives, had a response rate of 23.6%. The methodology used mostly consisted of multiple-choice questions to capture the current state of seed treatment adoption in companies.

A previous analysis conducted during the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 crop seasons revealed that 30% of seeds were sold with TSI, which increased to 40% in the second season. "At the time, we were optimistic, thinking the trend would continue upward," França-Neto said.

José de Barros França-Neto, a researcher at Embrapa Soja (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation)

After a nine-year gap, a new survey shows that 36.3% of seeds sold by these companies now receive industrial treatment. "The data reveals that 93.5% of treated seeds use insecticides, 92% fungicides, and 27.5% nematicides," França-Neto reported. Additionally, 23.2% of seeds are treated with long-life inoculants, such as Bradyrhizobium, a technology that enhances seed inoculation and improves biological nitrogen fixation. Micronutrients like cobalt and molybdenum are also prominently applied to about 15% of treated seeds.

Despite the current adoption rate of 36.2%, there is optimism about the future. "When asked about the outlook for the next five years, many respondents predicted the rate could reach 55%," França-Neto projected. This increase reflects the growing acceptance of IST by farmers, who recognize the advantages of receiving pre-treated seeds, including better protection against pests, diseases, and adverse field conditions like drought and high temperatures.

The survey also detailed the types of machinery used by companies and the associated treatment costs. França-Neto concluded by emphasizing the adoption of biostimulants, which help improve plant emergence and resistance to environmental stress, is also on the rise and will play a vital role in the future of seed treatment.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)