Koppert’s Cerall: Europe’s only microbial seed treatment solution against seed-borne diseases in cereals

Sow, grow, harvest it all and start again - the ideal cycle. But biotic factors, such as diseases and pests, and abiotic factors, including nutrient As a result, growers need to seek alternative solutions to protect their cereal crops and ensure sustainable production practices. deficiencies, heat stress and water issues can affect crops. This may result in a significant drop in yield and financial loss for growers. By using an effective seed treatment solution you mitigate the impact of these external factors, minimizing potential damage. 

To optimize crop health, Koppert works closely with growers around the world to develop effective and user-friendly seed treatment solutions in a wide range of crops. This dedication to innovation has led to the introduction of Cerall, a powerful solution against seed-borne diseases in cereal crops.

Challenges in cereal production 

Seed-borne fungi such as Fusarium, common bunt (Tilletia caries), glume blotch (Septoria nodorum) and foot rot (Microdochium nivale) are a major concern in cereal production. These diseases can cause plant losses through damping off just after germination and seedling emergence, but also affect the crop in a later stage. For most of these diseases, seeds are the primary carrier of the infection. The percentage of crop loss due to the use of unhealthy seeds, ranges from 10% to 50%. It's crucial for growers to adopt practices that minimize the risk of using diseased seeds, implementing proper seed treatment methods among others. 

At the same time, stricter regulations and future chemical bans are reducing the availability of conventional seed treatment solutions. Additionally, the development of resistances is making existing treatments less effective.

As a result, growers need to seek alternative solutions to protect their cereal crops and ensure sustainable production practices.

Europe’s only microbial seed treatment against seed-borne diseases 

Koppert is the only company in Europe to offer a powerful biological (microbial) solution against seed borne fungal diseases in cereal crops: Cerall. This seed treatment not only protects seeds against diseases such as Fusarium and common bunt (Tilletia caries), but also supports the growth and development of young cereal crops up to the fifth-leaf stage. Cerall can be used in both conventional and organic agriculture.

Extensive research 

The origin of Cerall lies at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences where the first preliminary tests were carried out. Here, researchers isolated no fewer than 400 bacterial strains from the roots of wild and cultivated plants. They then screened these strains for their activity against the common fungal diseases Tilletia caries (common bunt, or wheat stone burn) and Pyrenophora teres (net blotch, or net blotch disease) during greenhouse and field trials. One particular bacterial strain came out of the tests as the strongest and most reliable: Pseudomonas chlororaphis MA342 which was extracted from the roots of wild crowberry.

How does Cerall work?

Cerall contains a high concentration of Pseudomonas chlororaphis MA342 bacteria that are highly effective in several ways. First, the bacteria produce metabolites that have a direct inhibitory effect on common fungal diseases. After application as a seed treatment, the bacteria remain inactive on the treated seeds when stored dry. Then, after seeding, soil moisture causes the bacteria to emerge from their dormant phase and begin to multiply. They grow around the seeds and first roots, competing with any pathogens present for space and nutrition. They also continue to release those metabolites that further weaken the growth of fungi.

Strong growth-promoting effect 

The beauty of the Pseudomonas chlororaphis MA342 bacteria is that they encourage interaction with the plant. They cause the plant to start various defence reactions that in turn also prevent the pathogens from successfully infecting the young plant. In addition to their ability to fight diseases, the bacteria in Cerall have a strong growth-promoting effect. They stimulate seedling emergence and help the plant cope with abiotic stress factors, such as drought. In this way, Cerall with its active bacteria provides a significant yield increase and positive return on investment.

Seed treatment for carrots and peas 

For carrots, peas and other vegetable crops, Koppert also has an effective solution to offer against seed-borne diseases based on Pseudomonas chlororaphis MA342, Cedress is a seed treatment solutions which is effective in a wide range of conditions. Results have shown that the proportion of marketable carrots can be up to 6,5% greater when compared to conventional seed treatment solutions. 

Currently Koppert is working to extend its registration to other European countries, making this product accessible to more and more growers. 

New seed treatment based on Trichoderma strain 

Koppert has strong and dedicated Research and Development teams around the world, actively working together on the development of new plant protection products. The development of a new generation of seed treatment solutions, based on a unique and well studied Trichoderma strain, is currently underway. This seed treatment solution will combine powerful disease controlling capabilities with a long on-seed shelf-life. Koppert has over 55 years of experience in developing biological control products. This has led to an extensive and innovative portfolio that enjoys continuous improvement.

Discover the benefits of Cerall, a healthy crop and improved yields season after season

Using Cerall as seed treatment solution can improve yields on average by 290 kg/ha.

Cerall improves yields

Cerall seed treatment improves grain yield on average by 290 kg/ha. Compilation of the results from 11 field trials, 2 in Belgium, 2 in Germany, 2 in Italy, 1 in Spain, 1 in Sweden and 2 in Switzerland. 

Variation between trials is expressed as standard error: untreated ±0.6 t/ha; Cerall ±0.6 t/ha.

Advantages of biological seed treatments

• Biological seed treatments can be as effective as traditional seed treatments. 

• Besides disease controlling capabilities, plant growth is promoted and the crop becomes more resilient against abiotic stresses. 

• The treatment enhances crop yields while helping plants to fight off plant pathogens and minimize biotic stress. 

• The plant growth promoting microorganisms colonize the roots and protect the crop during the entire growing season. 

• Seed treatment increases plant available nutrients in the root system and increases nutrient uptake. 

• The enhanced root and shoot growth means that the early growth rate is optimized and that both the nutritional value of the crop as well as production yields are boosted. 

• Biological seed treatment reduces the use of agrochemicals which results in a lower exposure of growers to chemicals and lessens their impact on the environment. The potential exposure of the soil to agrochemicals is also limited in this way.

About Koppert 

Over 56 years ago our founder, Jan Koppert, was the first to find a natural solution to combat spider mites in his crop. With this pioneering spirit, Koppert’s third generation is now offering their legacy of expertise and experience to growers worldwide. By partnering with nature, we provide an integrated system of specialist knowledge and natural, safe solutions that improve crop health, resilience, and yield. 

As global leaders in biocontrol, our R&D department is dedicated to developing the best biological solutions that empower growers to cultivate resilient crops, now and in the future. By integrating the right macro- and microbiological solutions, we will guide you step by step towards sustainable alternatives that align with the growing market demands for residue-free produce and crops that promote vital biodiversity, soil health, and food security.

See how Cerall protects your cereal crop from seed-borne diseases such as common bunt and Fusarium

Please contact us for more information 

Guido Roozemond 

Global Category Lead 

info@koppert.nl

Koppert.com

This story was initially published in the 2024 Seed Treatment Special. Download the magazine to read more stories.

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