Agnition launches first microbial catalyst soybean seed treatment

Agnition announced recently that it has launched Commence® for Soybeans, a microbial catalyst seed treatment for soybeans that stimulates microbial activity for healthier soil and a superior growth environment. Increased microbial activity near the seed liberates nutrients that get soybeans off to a faster start and nurtures them throughout the growing season.

“We consistently see faster emergence and healthier and more robust soybean plants that stay ahead all year long,” said Agnition senior research manager Evan Johnson. “We bring value to the market through better plant health, and because our seed treatment stimulates microbial activity we provide value through healthier soil. Commence® not only provides an advantage to this year’s crop but also long-term value through increased soil health.”

Typical seed treatments are defensive and provide passive protection that is effective only when insect or disease pressure is present. Also, Commence® for Soybeans is not an inoculant. The active ingredients in Commence® for Soybeans are released in the soil after planting where they stimulate naturally occurring microorganisms to improve stand count, root structure and overall plant health.

“Our soybean seed treatment is active and goes out into the rhizosphere, the area around the root, and that’s where the plant gets all its nutrients for a much larger root structure. Commence® is an offensive seed treatment that positively affects the rhizosphere rather than a treatment that sits on the seed and waits for something to attack,” Johnson said.

Commence® for Soybeans is built on two exclusive technologies. Patented Microbial Catalyst™ technology increases the number and activity of soil microorganism that liberate the nutrients plants require to thrive. ProCoat™ encapsulation technology is a unique film-forming polysaccharide that adheres the active ingredients in Commence® to the seed and then releases them after planting for maximum benefit.

For several years, Commence® for Soybeans has undergone rigorous testing at Agnition Labs, the state-of-the-art Agnition greenhouse and farm trials. Johnson said the process ensures a product that works well in seed treaters and provides producers with a consistent advantage.

“We started working on Commence® for Wheat three years ago and at that time we decided to carry the technology forward to the soybean. After extensive lab, greenhouse and field research were conducted to optimize the formula and rates; we are confident that Commence® for Soybeans is a product that consistently improves soil and plant health,” Johnson said.

Agnition is a brand of Ralco, a third-generation family owned multinational company with distribution in more than 30 countries. A leading global provider of crop enhancement products, livestock nutrition and animal health products; Ralco supports large segments of the livestock, poultry, aquaculture and crop industries.