How are BASF’s biological seed treatments giving every seed the power to do more?

In today’s agriculture market, farmers and the industry are looking for new and inventive ways to increase crop yield to meet the food needs of a growing population while also adopting sustainable practices to help protect and preserve our environment. With evolving threats to crops, the need for innovative management solutions is more pressing than ever. Innovations and new discoveries in biologicals are crucial to the future success of the industry. 

AgroPages spoke with Stephen Burgin, Global Strategic Marketing, Seed Treatment – Biologicals and Inoculants, to discuss how BioSolutions by BASF leverages its R&D and formulations teams, portfolio, rigorous testing and focus on efficacy to unlock solutions for growers around the world.

What is unique about BASF’s biological seed treatments? 

What makes BASF’s biological seed treatments special are their reliability and specificity. Each of our products is designed to perform a specific function and consistently meets the claims on its label. While chemical treatments are effective, biologicals can address gaps in the current chemistry portfolio by targeting specific areas of the spectrum. This often results in improved plant health, increased yield potential and enhanced root structure. Additionally, our biological products contribute to sustainable farming practices by consistently enhancing yield and supporting the overall growth environment. 

What are other benefits that biologicals can deliver to farmers? 

Biologicals offer several benefits beyond basic crop protection. For instance, our inoculant line for soybeans enhances nitrogen uptake, which is crucial for yield. Additionally, we are exploring opportunities to improve the uptake of other essential nutrients like potassium and phosphate, which are often locked in the soil. Biologicals leverage natural processes to unlock these nutrients, making them more available to crops. 

Can you discuss some of the leading BASF biological seed treatment products? 

The Votivo^® family is very strong in the market and pairs well with multiple chemistries, providing benefits like improved plant health, nematode resistance and yield boost. This includes solutions for both upstream and downstream markets. For example, Poncho^® Votivo^® is the #1 selling seed treatment for corn in North America. Then there’s Votivo^® Prime, which is a leading bionematicide for industrial seed treatment in South America. BASF will also be launching on-farm Votivo^® Prime applications to reach even more customers. Vault^® IP Plus is another strong product in North America—as a dual-strain biological and inoculant, it maximizes nitrogen fixation and bio-fungicide protection. Finally, we have Integral^® Pro, a leading biological fungicide for canola. It will also be launching in sunflower in Europe, with plans to expand to vegetable seeds by the end of the decade. 

How have these products been received by customers? 

We can’t make them fast enough. My colleague Justin Clark, who engages with customers directly, often hears how our biological seed treatments are making a significant impact.

Can you walk me through the process of creating biological seed treatments?

The process begins with an initial screening by our global R&D team. If a new product shows promise in the lab, it undergoes a minimum of two years of field testing to ensure consistent, positive results. After the first year of successful field tests, we continue to check for consistency in the second year. Only then do we start on formulation, either as a standalone product or in combination with a chemical treatment. During this time, we also gauge regional interest and kick off the regulatory work. That involves engaging our global and regional regulatory teams to ensure current registration paths are outlined and initiated. From start to finish, the entire process takes a minimum of six years.

How do you ensure the efficacy and safety of your formulations?

We ensure efficacy and safety through rigorous testing and quality control. We conduct seed safety and compatibility testing for every product to ensure it does not negatively impact the seed and works well with other seed treatments. Multiple products often need to coexist on a seed, so compatibility is crucial. We also perform multi-year testing to gather consistent efficacy data. Additionally, all of our biologicals are produced and quality-controlled in-house at BASF facilities, ensuring they meet label claims. For farmer and applicator safety, we promote good stewardship practices and invest in education on best practices for using our seed treatment products globally.

How do BASF’s biological seed treatments contribute to sustainable agriculture?

Sustainability means different things to different people, but for us, it involves helping growers maximize yield potential with products that support sustainable agricultural practices. This includes more efficient water use, increased nitrogen capture and conversion and reducing the need for conventional spray and furrow treatments for crop protection. Our biological seed treatment solutions promote sustainability across major crops worldwide. 

What are some common misconceptions about biologicals?

One of the biggest misconceptions about biologicals is their consistency and quality. While this concern is often valid, BASF has the resources to ensure the highest standards for both. Biologicals are living organisms and require careful handling. We have the expertise and infrastructure to conduct rigorous scientific background checks, quality control and multi-year testing to ensure our products are consistent and meet label claims. Additionally, we support our customers by addressing any questions or concerns they may have. We treat our biologicals with the same rigor and consistency as our chemical products, ensuring we get it right every time.

Beyond seed treatments, how is BASF innovating in the broader biologicals space?

BASF is committed to leading innovation in the biologicals space, not just with seed treatments but across various areas of crop protection. We have robust portfolios in both bio-fungicides and bio-insecticides. These products offer farmers integrated solutions that complement our chemical treatments and enhance overall crop health and yield.

Can you tell us about the new BASF fermentation plant for biologicals?

We are very excited about our new fermentation plant at the Ludwigshafen site. This significant investment—a high double-digit million-euro amount—is a testament to BASF’s commitment to strengthening our portfolio of biological and biotechnology-based crop protection products. The plant will manufacture key products, including biological fungicides and biological seed treatments. Additionally, it will produce the main building block of Inscalis^®, a novel insecticide derived from a fungal strain. The fermentation process uses microorganisms to convert renewable raw materials like glucose into desired products, contributing to our sustainability goals. The plant is expected to be operational by the second half of 2025 and will employ 30 people in various roles.

How do you see the future of biologicals in agriculture?

The future of biologicals in agriculture is very promising. We expect to see even more innovative solutions that will help farmers achieve higher yields sustainably. As we continue to invest in research and development, we anticipate the integration of biologicals with digital farming solutions to provide farmers with precise, data-driven insights. This will enable farmers to optimize the use of biologicals and other inputs, ultimately leading to more sustainable and productive farming practices.

As agriculture continues to evolve in response to global challenges and opportunities, BASF’s commitment to innovation in biological seed treatments stands out as a beacon of progress. Through rigorous research and development, high-quality products and a focus on sustainability, BASF is paving the way for a future where farmers can achieve higher yields with reduced environmental impact. With a comprehensive portfolio, BASF not only addresses current agricultural needs but also anticipates the demands of tomorrow. AgroPages is proud to spotlight these advancements and looks forward to seeing how BASF’s continued dedication to agricultural excellence will shape the industry in the years to come.

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