Biological resources are becoming increasingly important

In addition to its chemical portfolio, crop protection products manufacturer Syngenta is rapidly developing a comprehensive range of biological products. Biostimulants and biocontrols support plants in future, more sustainable cultivation systems. Market Developer Biologicals Sarah van Beneden discusses this exciting transition.

"At Syngenta, we've made the strategic choice to develop a relevant portfolio of biological products," explains market developer Sarah van Beneden. "We see biocontrols and biostimulants as an important complement to chemicals in future cultivation systems. These systems will have a lower environmental impact and therefore be more sustainable."

To move quickly, Syngenta recently acquired Novartis's biological crop protection development division. Syngenta also established strategic partnerships with developers of bioinsecticides, biofungicides, and biostimulants, among other products. Furthermore, Syngenta invested in development and production capacity for biostimulants. The goal of these efforts is clear: "With Syngenta, we want to become the global leader in biologicals."

Confusion of speech
In the world of biologicals, confusion lurks. Van Beneden explains what she means by biostimulants and biocontrols. "Biostimulants are products, usually based on plant extracts or microorganisms, that support the plant in various processes. There are biostimulants that make the plant more resilient to environmental stress, such as drought or heat. Other biostimulants help the plant use water or nutrients more efficiently or can release those nutrients themselves. And then there are biostimulants that support soil health rather than the plant itself. Biocontrols are a completely different category; they are products used against diseases or pests. Their effectiveness is often based on substances of natural origin or on the activity of microorganisms. Biocontrols are subject to the same approval regulations as conventional crop protection products."

Place in cultivation system
Current biocontrols don't always achieve the same high efficacy in the field that we've come to expect from chemicals, and they're often more dependent on conditions. "They're usually insufficient for solo use during heavy infestations," says Van Beneden. "But that doesn't make them any less valuable. Biocontrols against diseases and pests often work well alongside chemicals or beneficial insects; you can use them alongside each other and complement each other in a schedule. And if the pressure isn't too high, a biocontrol often manages on its own. In a less susceptible variety, a solo biocontrol will also go a long way." Moreover, Syngenta expects that the new generation of biocontrols currently being developed will demonstrate significantly higher efficacy.

Substantiated claims
Van Beneden acknowledges that in practice, things aren't quite as fast with biologicals. "With biostimulants, people often can't see the forest for the trees. It pays to pay attention to the presence of a CE mark; that gives you the assurance that the product's claims are substantiated by research. Before Syngenta launches a product, many years of laboratory and field research precede it. Another factor is that the mechanisms of biostimulants or biocontrols are new to growers. That's where we as producers have a role to play. Syngenta is testing biologicals at demonstration fields and grower meetings.
To raise awareness. And we're investing a lot of energy in providing information to our own field service and distributors. We're convinced that biologicals will play a significant role in future cultivation systems. And we want to be a partner for farmers in this."

Syngenta's biologicals
Syngenta's Dutch portfolio currently includes the following
Products:

• QUANTIS™, a biostimulant that makes potato plants more resilient to various types of stress, including heat and drought stress. In trials, it has increased yields by up to 7%.
• VIXERAN®The bacteria in the biostimulant Vixeran absorb nitrogen from the air and pass it on to the plant. It works in multiple crops.
• TAEGRO®A biocontrol that is effective against powdery mildew and botrytis, among other things. Bacteria produce antifungal metabolites and compete with the fungus for space and food. Taegro also stimulates the plant's own defenses.
• ISABION®, a high-quality amino acid preparation for plant strengthening.
• EPIVIO™ ENERGY, a seed treatment that activates germination processes and stimulates soil microflora.

The following biostimulants will be added very soon:

• CEPACET®, a soil-active biostimulant that is very similar to Vixeran but also contains a bacterium that mobilises phosphorus.
• TALETE™, a biostimulant specifically developed for irrigation applications. It ensures more efficient water use.
• RETROSAL™ helps plants better cope with salt stress. Besides fungi, insects and nematodes are also high priorities in the development of biocontrol agents.