Key Takeaways
- EPA Approval for New Fungicide Formulation: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a novel formulation of METALAXYL ST fungicide for use in Meristem’s patented BIO-CAPSULE TECHNOLOGY™.
- Revolutionary Seed Protection Method: The BIO-CAPSULE TECHNOLOGY™ delivers 10-times more live microbes to the seed than traditional liquid treatments, providing unparalleled protection against diseases.
- Simplification of the Seed Treatment Process: The combination of METALAXYL ST with Meristem’s biocontrol PREPHYTE ST eliminates the need for liquid seed treatments and treaters, offering a more straightforward approach for farmers.
- Enhanced Efficiency and Cost Savings: This technology could save American farmers up to 50% on seed protection costs by enabling direct treatment at the planter, thereby potentially making liquid seed treatment obsolete.
- First Full Starter Package for Soybean Seeds: Meristem offers the first and only product in the US that delivers a complete starter package for soybean seeds, effectively controlling damping-off diseases.
Innovating Soybean Seed Protection
In a significant advancement for US soybean agriculture, Meristem Crop Performance unveiled at the Commodity Classic that the U.S. EPA has approved a new formulation of METALAXYL ST fungicide for integration with their pioneering BIO-CAPSULE TECHNOLOGY™. This announcement marks a notable milestone in seed treatment, promising heightened seed protection via an innovative delivery system.
Transforming Seed Treatment
The reveal at the Commodity Classic, an annual event attended by over 5,000 grain farmers, showcased a novel method of seed treatment. Mitch Eviston, Meristem’s Founder and CEO, emphasized the efficacy of METALAXYL ST fungicide in combating Pythium and Phytophthora and how its application through the BIO-CAPSULE system optimizes seed protection in a manner that simplifies the process for farmers.
BioCapsule Technology: A Game-Changer
Meristem’s BIO-CAPSULE TECHNOLOGY™ significantly enhances the delivery of live microbes and active ingredients to the seed, ensuring superior protection against diseases and maintaining the viability of beneficial microbes. This system ensures these agents are kept alive and active up to their point of impact in the soil, offering an unmatched level of seed protection from the beginning.
Implications for Soybean Farming
This technology represents a substantial shift in seed treatment and protection practices for soybean farming. With the capacity to amplify the impact of beneficial microbes tenfold, the potential for improved yields and plant health is considerable. This innovation simplifies the seed treatment process for farmers, reducing the need for additional liquid treatments and equipment, thus lowering costs and enhancing efficiency.
A Future of Innovation and Growth
Meristem’s commitment to bringing innovation to the forefront is evident in their development of the BIO-CAPSULE TECHNOLOGY™. This advancement not only promises more effective seed protection but also does so in a way that is more accessible and cost-effective for farmers, setting new standards in the agricultural sector for seed treatment technologies.
The announcement by Meristem Crop Performance represents a significant leap forward in agricultural innovation, offering soybean farmers a more effective, efficient, and economical method of seed protection. As this technology gains traction, its benefits could have a profound impact on soybean production, establishing new benchmarks for seed treatment and protection in the industry.
Image provided by Meristem
