Understanding the Path to Effective Biological Solutions

At Certis Biologicals, our intense focus is on growers. Every innovation and decision we make begins with the question, "How will this benefit the grower?" Consequently, we have a long history of adapting our products to fit the agronomic practices growers employ. We understand that as the biologicals industry continues to grow year over year, it must align with advancements in technology. Hence, we are committed to developing our products to best meet growers’ needs, particularly as they evolve over time.

One of the key areas of research for us is understanding factors that contribute to the effectiveness of our biological products. By delving into the science behind these products, we can improve their efficacy and ensure consistency in their performance. This knowledge allows us to develop the best possible products and helps growers use them to their full potential. 

Certis Biologicals has always focused on adapting our products to be grower-friendly within the grower’s chosen agronomic practices. For example, many of our products can be tank mixed alongside conventional products and applied through traditional application or chemigation. As technology continues to evolve and benefit agronomic practices, we are committed to being a part of those conversations.

A New Generation of Biologicals

While significant resources have been dedicated to studying the application technologies for chemical products, the same attention has not been given to biologicals. To address this gap, we are investing in research that examines the performance of biological formulations under different application conditions, such as water volumes, nozzles, filters and timing. This comprehensive approach allows for a better understanding of how biologicals should be applied and how to achieve optimal results.

At Certis, we are conducting further research and development to create a new generation of biological solutions that outperform previous versions by dividing research efforts into two distinct buckets: product innovation and development and applied research. The latter includes compatibility testing, application testing, benchmarking and data and scientific support for sales and marketing efforts as we aim to make improvements across our product portfolio. With 8,000+ field trials under our belt, we will grow this number while our customers’ knowledge of the products grows. 

Dispelling Misconceptions and Understanding the Benefits

One challenge all biological manufacturers face is overcoming misconceptions surrounding this product category. There has been a prevailing notion that biologicals are weaker than synthetic counterparts due to their microbial nature. However, recent findings have debunked this belief, highlighting the resilience and robustness of biologicals when used correctly. As such, we are determined to educate the industry and dispel these misconceptions through comprehensive research and sharing of accurate information.

As we delve deeper into the modes of action of biologicals, we are uncovering additional benefits beyond the generic claims made in the past. It is becoming evident these products have multiple modes of action that are not necessarily active simultaneously. Understanding these modes of action and their importance under specific conditions is crucial for maximizing their efficacy and exploring their full potential.

To better understand and utilize biologicals, we emphasize treating them differently from synthetic chemicals. Biologicals require a deeper understanding of their biology and how they adapt to different conditions. By appreciating the unique characteristics of biologicals and deploying them accordingly, users can unlock their full potential.

Effective application is another significant factor in the successful use of biologicals. Delivering the product precisely where it is needed and considering microclimatic variations within the plant and soil environment is essential. Just like chemicals, biologicals require proper delivery to achieve the desired outcomes. We are developing formulations and application techniques that enhance the reliability and efficacy of biologicals, ensuring consistent performance even in challenging conditions.

Compared to synthetic chemistries, biologicals exhibit an optimal range of activity rather than a linear response. Understanding this optimal range is crucial for efficient use, as adding more product beyond the threshold does not necessarily yield better results. Manufacturers are discovering that utilizing biologicals in conjunction with other management practices leads to the best possible outcomes.

Leading with Biologicals Innovation

At Certis Biologicals, we pride ourselves on being a leader in commercializing new biocontrol innovations through our vertically integrated business model. With a proven, broad portfolio of American-made crop protection solutions for both organic and conventional production, we have the answers growers need in today's dynamic agricultural environment. Some of the products we are best known for include Delfin, Agree, Amylox-X, Botanigard and Crymax.

In conclusion, biologicals are a critical part of the future of crop protection, and we are actively investing in research and development to optimize these products, overcome misconceptions and uncover their full potential. By understanding the science behind biologicals, we are paving the way for effective biological solutions that contribute to sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

How Ramped-Up Screening Efforts Benefit Agriculture

A major part of the Certis Biological research and development efforts revolves around improving biological product screening. This process includes collaboration with key partners and innovators to help identify promising solutions for growers and then testing promising technologies in our screening program. This is crucial for agriculture for a variety of reasons.

1. Efficacy and Performance: Screening allows us to evaluate the performance and efficacy of different biological products under various conditions. Not all biologicals are equally effective against every pest, disease or weed. By conducting comprehensive screening, we can identify the most promising candidates that demonstrate superior performance and efficacy. This ensures growers have access to the most effective biological solutions for their specific crop and pest management needs.

2. Targeted Application: Different crops and growing conditions require different biological solutions. Screening helps in identifying the most suitable products for different crops and regions. This enables growers to target their pest management efforts more effectively, leading to optimal results. By matching the right biological product with the specific requirements of a crop, growers can maximize benefits and minimize unnecessary applications.

3. Compatibility and Integrated Pest Management (IPM): In agricultural systems, integrated pest management is often employed, which involves using multiple pest control methods in a complementary manner. Biologicals play a significant role in IPM strategies. However, the compatibility of biological products with other pest management tools, such as chemical pesticides or cultural practices, needs to be assessed. Effective product screening helps identify compatible combinations and integrated approaches that enhance overall pest management outcomes.

4. Environmental and Health Considerations: Biologicals are often preferred over synthetic chemicals due to their environmentally friendly nature. They have minimal impact on non-target organisms, pose lower risks to human health and leave fewer residues in food and the environment. However, proper screening is necessary to ensure that selected biological products align with these eco-friendly attributes. By rigorously screening products, we can confirm their safety and minimize any potential negative impacts on the environment and human health.

5. Commercial Viability: For biological products to gain wider adoption in the market, they need to be commercially viable and cost-effective for growers. Screening helps identify products with high efficacy and performance potential while considering factors such as production scalability, formulation stability and cost efficiency. This enables us to develop and offer biological solutions that are not only effective but also economically viable for growers, promoting their widespread use.

Improving biological product screening in agriculture is essential to ensure the availability of effective, environmentally friendly and commercially viable solutions for growers. Ultimately, improved screening contributes to the development and adoption of high-quality biological solutions that support sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

This article was originally published in the magazine 2023 Biologicals Special.