Bayer SeedGrowth New Zealand: Local expertise for maximum efficiency

Good service Down Under: Bayer SeedGrowth™ New Zealand supported a client in optimizing its seed treatment process, doing a complete new set-up from equipment to seed coatings.

In Brief

• Genetic Technologies Ltd. installed a new seed treatment setup
• Bayer supported the client in adapting the treatment formula
• The seed coating was modified to significantly reduce seed dust

“Our client probably did not realize that many small adjustments to the machine can remarkably influence the outcome of the seed treatment quality,” says Jeff Smith, Regional Sales Manager from the Bayer SeedGrowth Services team. He has just finished an extensive project for Genetic Technologies Ltd., who represent Pioneer™ brand products in New Zealand – but let’s start from the beginning.

Genetic Technologies Ltd. recently installed a completely new seed treatment setup, including everything from the seed treating machine to the peripheral equipment. That represents a major investment. “Over the course of many conversations, we have given them the confidence to source local expertise for setting up the treater and programming it to work at maximum efficiency.” The fact that Jeff Smith and his local and international colleagues have worked closely with the company for nearly 20 years was certainly a factor that worked in their favor. Having local expertise gave the firm the confidence that Bayer equipment could be operated in New Zealand with the support of local vendors and the right level of operational knowledge.

New seed coating reduces dust

After the new equipment had been set up, Bayer supported the client in adapting the treatment formula in two major steps. First, they modified the seed coating to significantly reduce seed dust. “We needed to make sure that it worked with the new equipment, and that’s not something that can be done overnight,” says Bayer SeedGrowth expert Jeff Smith. The ultimate goal is to identify potential issues before they become a real problem. Therefore, the Services team tested several tons of different kinds of seeds for four months. “We need to be at least 90 % accurate in terms of active ingredient loading as well as coverage and coloration – an exceptional quality feature in New Zealand,” explains Jeff Smith. “Thus, we ensure that the products adhere well to the seed to guarantee good plantability.”

Second, they changed the product from Poncho™, which is used to protect emerging seedlings from pests and boost early plant development, to Poncho™ / VOTiVO™. Poncho / VOTiVO is a next-generation insecticide seed treatment that extends Poncho’s protection to include nematodes.

“This case is a good example of how Bayer SeedGrowth understands the entire process – not just the products and seed coatings, but the application process, the equipment and the client’s objectives as well,” explains Jeff Smith. “We continuously strive for improvements and will keep our customers as up to date as possible.”