The strongest start: How seedcare innovation is shaping crop protection in Canada

Описание: With tight planting windows and unpredictable spring conditions, getting crops off to a strong start is critical for Canadian growers. That’s where seed treatments and seed care innovation play a central role, says Ravi Ramachandran, head of R&D for crop protection at Syngenta.

“I’ve been with Syngenta for 28 years,” Ramachandran says, noting that early travels across Canada shaped his passion for seed care. “What really stood out to me is seeing firsthand the passion, the resilience and the impact the growers made.” Those experiences, combined with Canada’s short growing season, continue to guide his work. “Everything that we have done… is around addressing those challenges, and how do we create solutions that are fit for purpose, for Canadian growers?”

A cornerstone of that effort is Syngenta’s Canadian Seedcare Biological Institute, part of a global network focused on seed treatment innovation. The Canadian institute is uniquely designed to simulate Prairie conditions — from cold soils to below-freezing air temperatures at seeding.

“Growers are now entering the field very early… they have to plant the seeds in a cold and wet soil,” says Ramachandran. That means seed treatments must withstand extreme conditions while maintaining even coverage and performance. Advanced polymers and patented technologies help ensure products stay on the seed through transport, handling, and planting — critical for both protection and return on investment.

Looking ahead, 2026 brings two new active ingredients to the Canadian market. TYMIRIUM technology, launched in Victrato Complete for soybeans, targets fungal pathogens and soybean cyst nematodes. Meanwhile, Equento Cereals, powered by PLINAZOLIN technology, delivers a dual-action solution for wireworms in Western Canadian cereals.

“We truly believe growers... have a new, reliable tool to control wireworms,” says Ramachandran, adding that the technology may also help reduce populations in subsequent seasons.

In a challenging production environment, strong seed protection remains the foundation of yield potential — and innovation at the seed level is helping growers start strong.
Website: https://www.realagriculture.com/
#agriculture #farming
Find us on our other social media platforms:
X/Twitter:   / realagriculture  
Instagram:   / realagriculture  
Facebook:   / realagmedia