Bayer showcases global expertise in seed treatment and seeds at the ISF World Seed Congress 2016

At the ISF World Seed Congress, which took place from May 15-18 in Punta del Este, Uruguay, Bayer presented its first-class product portfolio and comprehensive knowledge in the field of seed treatment and seeds. The focus was on new developments in soybeans such as the success of ILeVO™ seed treatment tackling Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and nematodes, the expansion of Bayer’s biological SeedGrowth portfolio for soybeans and the introduction of Credenz™ soybean varieties in Latin America. As a global player in seed treatment and seeds and as a longtime sponsor of the Congress, Bayer strongly supports the International Seeds Federation (ISF) where it is actively engaged in policy dialogue and industry best practices in the areas of plant breeding innovation, sustainability and stewardship.

 

 

With the U.S. launch of ILeVO, a highly effective seed treatment product, Bayer has again demonstrated its innovative capabilities. ILeVO is the only product tackling the soybeans Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and nematodes including soybean cyst nematode, one of the most yield-robbing pests in soybeans. “This is another innovation that complements our great offer in soybeans and our nematode control portfolio, which already includes CropStar™ in Latin America, Poncho™/VOTIVO™ and Aeris™ in the USA“, said Martin Gruss, Global Head of SeedGrowth at Bayer. 

 

To expand its product range in biological seed treatments, Bayer acquired in 2014 Biagro Group, a South American company with expertise in seed-applied inoculants. With the acquisition, Bayer has strengthened its integrated offer for soybeans in Argentina and Brazil. “Two years later, Biagro is now fully integrated into our company. Combined with the expertise in our laboratories for biological crop protection in West Sacramento, USA, and Wismar, Germany, we strive to further enhance our SeedGrowth portfolio for soybeans and become an important business partner for soybean growers”, Gruss said. Highly targeted in their application, seed-applied biologicals aim to improve yields and quality for farmers growing crops such as soybeans, while minimizing exposure to non-target components of the environment.

 

At the congress, Bayer SeedGrowth™ showcased innovative solutions in all of its four areas of competence, which range from new seed treatment products and improved film coatings which increase the flowability of treated seeds to on-demand seed treatment equipment and quality assessments, as well as customer advice and services. 

 

 

At the ISF World Seed Congress, Bayer showcased its Latin American Seeds portfolio by celebrating the launch of 22 varieties of Credenz soybeans across key markets in Latin America in 2016. “We are advancing in our strategy to become a key player in the Latin American soybean seed market”, said Alex Merege, Head of Seeds in the region Latin America. “With Credenz, soybean growers will benefit from quality seeds with unique traits tailored to address individual production needs. This will provide new tools for growers to further improve their returns in a long term sustainable way.”

 

Credenz is the company’s first global soybean seed brand. It utilizes high-performing traits across a range of varieties, offering growers more choice to control weeds and maximize yields. The herbicide tolerance trait gives growers a new level of flexibility and performance and allows them to select their preferred weed management program. From the 22 Credenz soybean varieties recently launched in Latin America, five varieties carry Liberty Link™ herbicide tolerance technology for use in Brazil.

 

 

Despite challenging market conditions, Bayer was able to grow its global Seeds business in the core crops of canola, cotton, soybeans, vegetables, rice and wheat in 2015. “In order to further strengthen our position in the market, constant innovation is key. This is why Bayer has invested in developing multiple state-of-the-art plant breeding facilities and innovation centers, establishing a global network of experts who enable winning solutions that start with the seed”, said Frank Terhorst, Global Head of Seeds. 

 

Bayer has also strengthened its market footprint in Latin America with further growth in the region and the construction of four new breeding stations operational by year end, adding to 20 existing breeding sites dedicated to vegetables, cotton and soybeans in the region. “This clearly shows the commitment of our Seeds business to the Latin American region”, Terhorst said.

 

The responsible use of its products is of major importance to Bayer. This is why Bayer is an active member of Excellence Through Stewardship™ (ETS), a non-profit global industry-coordinated organization which promotes the universal adoption of seed stewardship programs and quality management systems for the full life cycle of genetically modified seeds especially. To verify this, ETS facilitates independent third party audits.

 

At the congress, Bayer hosted an information session on ETS, thus recognizing the vital importance of a global culture of stewardship. As proud member of ETS, Bayer announced that it has to date successfully completed the annual best practice external audits for its global seeds operations.