Green Revolution: How Ceradis is Pioneering Biological Seed Treatments Amid Market Challenges

Editor’s Note: ″Biological seed treatments are part of a holistic approach to improving yield potential by helping crops maximize their genetic potential which maximizes the grower’s return on investment. Biological seed treatments also possess diverse metabolic capabilities extending to improved microbial activity in many cases,″ said Jan Stechmann, Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Ceradis Crop Protection in a recent interview with AgroPages.

The application of biotechnology in agriculture is gradually transforming growers' reliance on traditional chemical inputs. Ceradis Crop Protection, with its innovative bio seed treatment CeraMax^®, not only enhances crop yield and quality but also promotes environmental sustainability. This interview delves into how Ceradis tackles market challenges, optimizes product formulations, and drives regulatory standardization and industry collaboration for Biological seed treatments worldwide.

Jan Stechmann, Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Ceradis Crop Protection

Email: Jan.stechmann@ceradis.com

Phone: +1 901-603-6040

AgroPages: What are the primary challenges regarding biological crop inputs under current market conditions?

The last several years have been pivotal for the biological market with noticeable upshifts in market share from synthetic products. 

This year, however, the farm economy has been in a downturn which could have an impact on grower input decisions in 2025.

The market has also become increasingly crowded with a new wave of bio-solutions entering the field from startups and retail private label portfolios - making it difficult for the smaller independent biological companies to differentiate themselves in performance. 

Grower confidence in biologicals has been built on years of efficacy research by those companies who have been in the market with consistent year-after-year product performance. But, still, there is a fair amount of bio-products coming to market each year with challenges related to formulation which impact application consistency under varying environmental conditions which continues to keep a large percentage of growers at bay. 

Another relevant challenge for biologicals is shelf-life and compatibility with components such as synthetic fungicides or insecticides, micronutrients, or additional microbes such as inoculants.

AgroPages: Give an overview of your company's biological seed treatments. What measures has your company taken to optimize the formulation of biological seed treatments to meet the needs of different crops?

Ceradis has a strong track record of developing and commercializing innovative biological seed treatments. 

In 2020, Ceradis launched CeraMax^®, a biological seed treatment for the prevention of soil-borne fungal diseases like Rhizoctonia spp and Fusarium virguliforme, the causal agent of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS).

A first-of-its-kind technology, CeraMax has an environmental profile with stewardship and seed safety attributes not offered with most synthetic seed treatments - plus better return on investment for both grower and seed retailer. 

Product sales have been strong in the US soybean, corn, and wheat seed treatment markets with consistent performance since its initial launch year. In 2023, CeraMax was introduced into the Brazilian soybean market which is also having excellent market response.

In the field, CeraMax is demonstrating its value by addressing some of the biggest issues growers face right now.  In addition, the rapid adoption of CeraMax represents an important validation of the market’s growing demand for next-generation alternatives.

Market success to date is giving us the green light to expand CeraMax’s footprint into Canada and across more crop sectors in the US including canola, cotton, vegetables, and potatoes. Brand expansion plans include a new formulation called CeraMax Organic for the US organic corn, soybean, and wheat markets, in addition to a CeraMax combo formulation for Pythium control in row crops which is expected to launch in 2026. 

CeraMax is made from a bacteria-derived molecule that is as effective as existing chemical products, has a long shelf-life, and is completely safe for human consumption. It targets only fungi, so it is extremely safe for non-target organisms.

Another one of CeraMax’s strong holds is its formulation which is easy-to-use with low use rates and broad compatibility. 

As a biological, CeraMax also shows no signs of negatively affecting pollinators or beneficial insects or microbial soil organisms in the rhizome.

AgroPages: Can you share a case study of CeraMax’s success in the market? 

The best example of success that I can share is an abundance of satisfied grower customers. Over the last five years, we have had a lot of early adopter growers make the switch to CeraMax from Ilevo and Saltro. 

Regarding in-field performance, the feedback we hear year after year from growers is that CeraMax performs just as good as the market-leading seed treatments but at a much higher return on investment, which growers definitely valued in 2024 with the lower commodity prices. 

Another important comment that we hear from growers is that after using a product like CeraMax, they have greater confidence knowing that they can use a biological without sacrificing yield.  

From our retail and seed treater customers, feedback is mostly about the improved handling and application advantages with CeraMax, which comes in a ready-to-use liquid formulation in 2.5-gallon jugs. CeraMax’s proprietary liquid formulation is extremely stable and offers seamless blending for consistent seed coverage and adhesion. Plus, they like its two-year shelf life which is significantly longer than most biological seed treatments.

AgroPages: What are the current focus areas of investment for the development of Ceradis biopesticides and formulation technologies? 

Ceradis develops proprietary biological formulations and formulation technology that boosts the efficacy of existing chemical active ingredients as well as biologicals, resulting in a reduced rate of material needed per hectare with lower residues on the crop, making them more environmentally friendly. 

Ceradis has four product platforms on the basis of which it develops products: 

High Phosphonate in Mixes (HPM): A fungicide based on phosphonates also known as phosphites that stimulate resistance against a broad spectrum of fungal and oomycete diseases. It is mainly used as a booster in combination with both contact and systemic commercial pesticides. When combined with these products, the dose can be reduced by up to half while maintaining full efficacy. This leads to cost reduction and to a more environmentally friendly way of crop production.  

Natamycin (active ingredient in CeraMax): A biological molecule produced by soil bacteria as a defense mechanism against fungi. Natamycin is an approved food additive, that has been used for decades to preserve for example cheese. Natamycin is not only safe for human food but also for crops and non-target organisms. This is due to its unique mode of action. It targets ergosterol, which only true fungi possess. CeraMax is therefore a new tool to help farmers in the battle against resistance development.

Microbial Sulfur (bacterial origin vs mineral origin): A liquid fungicide containing bio-sulfur - a new concept in the conventional sulfur market. Bio-sulfur has a unique chemical structure, thereby increasing the efficacy of the product and reducing the pesticide dosage in the field. Due to bio-sulfur’s hydrophilic nature, it leaves no residue on the plant and has a low environmental impact. 

Poly-Electrolyte Matrix (PEM): A formulation technology that acts as an ‘enabler’ to form a wide variety of different crop protection products. Ceradis has demonstrated that PEM can increase the efficacy of certain active ingredients two- to four-fold by incorporating them into a poly-electrolyte matrix. The PEM itself is a matrix with heterogeneous gaps that can hold different fungicidal particles. The poly-electrolyte matrix consists of a combination of a polycation and a polyanion. The PEM itself also offers functional benefits in use. By holding the active ingredients in the matrix, it improves dispersal and release.

AgroPages: Are there any collaborations with other research institutions or companies in the development and application of biological seed treatments? How have these collaborations driven product innovation and application?

Collaborative R&D is a powerful catalyst for innovation, which offers organizations like Ceradis the opportunity to leverage shared resources, knowledge, and expertise. 

Ceradis has collaborative relationships for its bio-pesticide and bio-fungicide R & D with private and public companies for development, production, and product distribution, including Syngenta, Adama, Koppert, AgriThority, and Dole. 

Our strategic partnerships have been a game-changer for building our in-house pipeline and accelerating our product commercialization timelines. Given the broad reach of our innovations across multiple continents and crops, we also actively collaborate with leading research institutions and universities. 

AgroPages: What is the level of acceptance among farmers regarding the promotion of CeraMax? 

Since its launch date, grower adoption of CeraMax has been impressive with solid incremental increases annually.  

CeraMax is a model product for what the industry has been waiting for. Equivalent in performance to synthetic seed treatments, CeraMax is a next-generation alternative with environmental stewardship features and easier handling, plus, better economic value for growers. 

And when new technology comes out the gate with consistent performance year after year, that is the proof point that growers want to see to gain trust. 

The industry has done an excellent job of educating the growers on how biological products complement the plant’s genetics and traits, as well as conventional chemistry. By leveraging biologicals and conventional chemistry, we are helping growers become more productive, profitable, and sustainable.  

AgroPages: What are the key factors to consider when selecting and applying biological seed treatments to different crops?

Although dosages for biological seed treatments vary depending on the product, crop, and seed size, it is necessary to account for the amount and active ingredients applied to the seed. Therefore, to determine the accurate dosages for any particular application, seed treaters need to follow product manufacturer guidelines closely. 

The dosage can also be affected by the concentration of active components, such as beneficial microbes or bioactive substances, in the composition of the seed coating. The suggested dosage will depend on the exact formulation because various products may have variable concentrations.

Application techniques also play a role in the effectiveness of seed treatments. Precise application ensures that each seed receives an even and adequate coverage of the treatment agent. 

AgroPages: Compared to traditional chemical seed treatments, what are the advantages and disadvantages of biological seed treatments in terms of environmental friendliness and crop yield?

Biological seed treatments are part of a holistic approach to improving yield potential by helping crops maximize their genetic potential which maximizes the grower’s return on investment. Biological seed treatments also possess diverse metabolic capabilities extending to improved microbial activity in many cases. 

By leveraging natural agents like bacteria and fungi, biological seed treatments offer benefits such as enhanced disease resistance, improved plant growth, and reduced environmental impact. 

A strong start for seeds means healthier plants, which in turn requires less intervention in the form of water, fertilizers, and other inputs.

Treating seeds with biological agents also decreases the need for broad-spectrum pesticides and fertilizers during the plant’s growth phase. This precision approach means fewer chemicals are introduced into the environment, minimizing the potential for runoff into waterways or the leaching of chemicals into soils. 

AgroPages: How do you address the complex regulatory challenges when promoting biological seed treatments in different countries and regions?

The regulatory aspect of the business is complex with varying countries setting their own perimeters in creating a market-friendly environment for biological products. Not only do regulations differ between countries, but also between product categories.

Non-uniform standards in regulations are the leading barrier to product commercialization. In most countries, biologicals are regulated under the same regulatory frameworks as conventional chemistry. The shortcomings result in inconsistent data requirements and risk assessment procedures, as well as complex and unpredictable review processes.

Over the next decade, the industry is hopeful that new policies promoting sustainable agriculture will favorably bring some level of standardization into play. 

AgroPages: How do you ensure the environmental friendliness of biological seed treatments and minimize their impact on ecosystems during development?

First of all, biological seed treatments like CeraMax offer an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach that provides efficient protection against seed and soil-borne pathogens, seed quality improvement, and crop productivity enhancement by reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. 

Ceradis places high importance on environmental protection and human safety, strictly adhering to environmental standards in product development and production processes, aiming to reduce the environmental impact. 

We also conduct compliant laboratory testing to support our biopesticide and biofertilizer development programs. This ensures that our data meets the highest quality standards required by regulatory authorities worldwide.

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