SOUTH AFRICA – Corteva Agriscience, one of the world’s leading technology company, has officially opened its Centre for Seed Applied Technologies (CSAT) laboratory in Rosslyn, Pretoria, one of only six worldwide.
This modern facility will utilize industry-leading equipment and focus specifically on recipe development and safety testing of seed-applied solutions.
The site will also be integrated into Corteva’s global CSAT network and is strategically positioned to meet the ongoing demands of grain producers across Africa Middle East (AME), ensuring that farmers have access to high-quality seed and better field performance.
“Not only does this investment showcase our commitment to regional agriculture and ongoing research and development, but it also demonstrates our ambition to effectively utilize cutting-edge technology to help increase yields, improve livelihoods and ensure sustained food security,” says Venkata Subbarao Kolli, President, Africa Middle East, Corteva Agriscience.
Seed treatments involve the application of chemical or biological substances, such as fungicides or insecticides, directly to the surface of a seed, safeguarding the seeds and seedlings against insects, fungal diseases, and soil-borne pathogens.
The treatments help improve seed and plant health, as well as germination rates; protect plants from the start when they are most vulnerable to insects and disease; and increase the likelihood of quality and improved harvest.
Solutions also allow for an efficient and targeted use of active ingredients, reducing the total amount of pesticides required, helping to preserve biodiversity and pollinators, and promote sustainable agriculture.
“This CSAT lab further strengthens the company’s offering in the seed production segment. We are offering the most complete package of solutions, including the development of the best hybrids, crop protection innovations, and now, one of the most sophisticated seed treatment processes farmers can have at their disposal,” says Tony Esmeraldo, Business Director, South Africa, Corteva Agriscience.
The Rosslyn site was designed with advanced equipment to perform various tests that will ensure the quality of the treatment applied to the seed, offering a greater guarantee to AME producers.
The facility will also serve Corteva’s respective seed brands, Pannar and Pioneer, as well as other industry collaborators, with a view to create new seed treatment solutions to help farmers overcome the challenges of an ever-changing agricultural industry.
LumiGEN seed treatments for Pioneer brand are designed, verified, and proven to work with the company’s current genetic portfolio, giving farmers a higher level of confidence in their seed treatment options.
Pannar brand’s complete plant health initiative, Panacea, includes a range of dynamic seed treatment products, along with unique access to expert agronomic advice.
Enhancing grower productivity
The laboratory will carry out treatment on sunflowers, grains and soybean seeds among others.
“We strongly believe that there is significant opportunity to expand biotechnology solutions in the region– while we already have a number of products that are favorable to the soil and climatic characteristics of AME, there is room for many more market advancements,” said Kolli.
Corteva takes an evidence-based approach in combination with science and ingenuity to develop and deliver advanced seed treatments. They pride themselves in enhancing grower productivity and contributing to more efficient and resilient food systems.
The company’s technical teams evaluate hundreds of products each year, seeking out the right components and formulations to meet every farmer’s needs.
Once products are developed, a rigorous research process is applied, focusing on specific aspects such as agronomy, safety, and stewardship before solutions reach customers.
Corteva Agriscience continues to expand its sunflower seed business with an additional €14m investment for the Afumati production facility in Romania.
This expansion will permit the company to reach the growing international and domestic demand from growers for high-quality sunflower seeds.
The Afumati production facility is not only one of Corteva’s most modern production facilities, but is also the biggest seed processing station in Romania.
The facility has been in operation since 2006 and produces corn and sunflower Pioneer seeds for European customers.
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