Agricultural technology took centre stage at Pannar’s recent Farmers’ Day, where Johan Janse van Rensburg, Corteva Agriscience’s seed applied technology manager for Africa and the Middle East, delivered compelling insights into modern seed treatment solutions to farmers gathered at Sam Nkosi’s De Goedehoop Farm in Ermelo, Mpumalanga.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
Janse van Rensburg emphasised that seed applied technology represents a critical investment protection strategy for modern farmers. “Seed applied technology offers targeted solutions applied directly to the seed precisely where and when they are needed. In other words, seed applied technologies are the quickest means to reach and control threats to crop health and yield,” he explained.
The technology addresses a fundamental challenge in agriculture: ensuring the seed investment farmers make successfully establishes uniform stands while facing threats from soil-borne pests and diseases during the most critical growth period.
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Comprehensive Protection Arsenal
The Corteva specialist outlined how modern seed treatments encompass a wide range of product classes, including fungicides, insecticides such as neonicotinoids, biologics, inoculants and specialised polymers that act as binders and stickers to maintain active ingredients on the seed surface.
“These aren’t single-product solutions,” Janse van Rensburg noted. ““In simple terms, we combine different tools that work in different ways to provide broad-spectrum protection to the crop, both above and below the ground.”
He also told farmers about a new seed treatment currently being tested on a small pilot scale. Only limited quantities are available, as the trials are specifically focused on early‑season cutworm protection. The aim is to provide longer‑lasting protection during crop establishment by using multiple modes of action.
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Quality Control and Safety Standards
Janse van Rensburg explained that one of the key advantages of buying treated seed from Pannar is that it is treated in a controlled environment, using high‑precision application equipment and strict quality systems.
“These facilities are designed to ensure accuracy and consistency,” he said. “Every seed is treated to the same standard, so farmers can be confident in the quality they are planting.”
Modern seed treatment plants use advanced technology to apply products evenly and at the correct rates, backed by thorough quality assurance checks. This helps ensure reliable germination, good plantability and consistent performance in the field.
An added benefit is improved safety and convenience for farmers and farm workers. By purchasing seed that is already professionally treated, there is less need to handle crop protection products on the farm, simplifying operations while maintaining high standards.
“Professionally treated seed gives farmers peace of mind,” Janse van Rensburg said. “It’s about delivering a ready‑to‑plant product that meets high-quality, performance and safety expectations.”
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Resistance Management Strategy
Janse van Rensburg explained that one of the key benefits of seed treatment is how precisely the product is used. Because only a small amount of active ingredient is applied directly to each seed, seed treatments use far less product per square metre than foliar or broadcast applications.
“It’s a very targeted approach,” he said. “The chemistry is placed exactly where and when it’s needed – right at the seed and during those early growth stages. In that sense, seed treatment is one of the quickest and most efficient ways to protect the crop as it starts growing.”
However, Janse van Rensburg cautioned that seed treatment is not a silver bullet.
“Seed applied technologies should be seen as one part of a bigger system,” he said. “Farmers should not rely on seed treatment alone.”
He encouraged farmers to make sure seed treatments are properly integrated into an overall Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme, alongside crop rotation, scouting, foliar interventions where needed, and the use of different modes of action.
“When used responsibly and as part of an IPM strategy, seed treatments help protect the crop early, support resistance management and preserve these tools for the long term,” he concluded.
Practical Farmer Guidance
Janse van Rensburg explained that when farmers buy professionally treated seed, they can be confident that the treatment has been thoroughly tested and verified on the specific seed genetics.
“These treatments are not just added and sold,” he said. “They are tested to make sure they do not negatively affect the seed in any way.”
He explained that Corteva follows a structured evaluation process known as PASSER, which ensures that seed treatments meet strict requirements before they are offered to farmers. PASSER looks at key factors including plantability, application quality, seed safety, stewardship, efficacy and regulatory compliance.
As part of this process, treatments are tested for compatibility with the seed, as well as flowability through planters, correct application, germination and early crop performance.
“The goal is to deliver seed that plants easily, emerges evenly and performs as expected in the field,” Janse van Rensburg said.
Because this testing is done before the seed reaches the farmer, producers can be assured that treated seed will not compromise planter performance, seed flow or stand establishment.
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Investment in Agricultural Future
Seed treatment, Janse van Rensburg concluded, is about getting maximum value from every seed planted.
“By protecting the seed early, you improve stand establishment and protect your yield potential,” he said. “It’s about protecting your seed investment and giving the crop the best possible start.”
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