Syngenta introduces Unistand technology for seed selecting

Syngenta announced that it will begin using Unistand™ technology, an innovative pelleting process, on select Syngenta sunflower hybrids. This proprietary technology from Syngenta delivers consistent size 3 seed to significantly improve planting efficiency and maximize crop yields. With the introduction of Unistand, farmers now have a tool to help streamline sunflower production so they can grow more sunflowers to meet increasing demand and capitalize on market opportunities.
 
"By optimizing existing Syngenta pelleting technology used in sugarbeets and vegetables, Unistand provides growers with extremely uniform size 3 seeds that flow through the planter more easily, are spaced evenly in the soil and, as a result, produce a more uniform stand that allows farmers to grow more sunflowers,” explained Bill Gilbert, solutions development manager, Syngenta. “Seed size variability causes sunflower seeds to not flow well through the planters, leading to ongoing calibration and planting challenges for sunflower growers. As a result, seeds are frequently unevenly spaced in the soil, causing population variability and uneven emergence.”
 
Through in-field testing over the past couple years, growers have had the opportunity to evaluate the viability of this new pelleting technology and found that the consistent size 3 sunflower seed improved planting efficiency and speed, ultimately producing higher yields. 
 
"Planting seeds with Unistand was like planting corn. I had nearly 99 percent singulation, and seed placement was perfect. We usually get skips, but this was like a stand of corn – every plant was there,” said Cameron Rogers, a grower who tested Unistand near Blunt, S.D.
 
While pelleted seeds have traditionally been made with clay, which chips and clogs planters, Unistand uses a proprietary technology to ensure that the pellet does not chip during the planting process. With Unistand, seeds are planted faster with more accurate and efficient placement, leading to even emergence and uniform crop canopy.
 
"Because the seeds with Unistand plant so much easier, my whole operation is more efficient,” said Tony Horenick, a sunflower grower in Kansas. “My plant spacing is better, and that means better yield potential.”
 
Unistand technology delivers evenly spaced plants; uniformly emerged fields; and an improved stand that canopies, heads, flowers and matures more evenly. The even canopy helps shade out weeds while uniform plant growth improves insect and disease management. In addition, Unistand pellets include CruiserMaxx® Sunflower insecticide/fungicide seed treatment combination of separately registered products for early-season insect and disease protection.
 
South Dakota grower Todd Yackley has used Unistand on his Syngenta sunflower hybrids for two years. “Seeds pelleted with Unistand work great in the planter. There are no issues with the planter clogging because of the pellet breaking like I’ve experienced with clay-based products,” he explained. “My Unistand seeds run similar to corn at 99 to 99.5 percent singulation, and I’ve had no issues with needing more water for the seed to sprout. Stand is the name of the game. The flowers came up evenly, the canopy helped hold down weeds, and they harvested easier.”
 
Based on these grower experiences, Gilbert concluded, “With Unistand, we are adding an innovative tool to our strong sunflower portfolio of seeds, seed treatments and crop protection products to help growers produce a quality crop in a more efficient way. In addition, we are confident that Unistand will provide growers with a more timely planting process while maximizing yield potential.”