The world of seed technology is undergoing a quiet revolution, with research increasingly focused on designing seeds that provide solutions to the unique challenges faced by farmers in specific regions. This shift was highlighted at the recent Nampo Harvest Day in Bothaville, Free State, where Bayer Crop Science celebrated the 20th anniversary of its seed brand, Dekalb.
The celebration was marked by a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony, with Caio Tosta, commercial head for Bayer Crop Science Africa, and Johan Bibbey, Bayer Crop Science Country Lead Seed: South Africa, wielding the knife. However, the real cutting edge was in the discussions that followed, as agronomists from Bayer and other seed companies shared insights into the future of seed technology.
Christiaan Troskie, product development scientist at Bayer, emphasized that while yield increases would always be a primary focus, seed development was becoming more tailored to regional needs. “Our research is becoming more focused on designing seed that provides tailor-made solutions,” he said. For instance, farmers in irrigation regions prioritize yield and standability, while those in the eastern production regions need disease resistance coupled with high yield.
This regional focus is not just about developing new seed varieties but also about introducing existing ones. Wilhelm van Heerden, a Bayer agronomist, pointed to short stature maize, already grown in the US, as an example. This shorter plant offers several advantages, including easier spraying, better root development, standability, and greater nutritional value for silage.
Meanwhile, Charl van der Merwe, Free State agronomist for Pannar, highlighted the progress in producing drought-tolerant maize and soya bean seed. “We are testing seed under very strenuous circumstances to ensure that the seed can withstand drought,” he said. This advancement is crucial for farmers investing heavily in their crops, as it reduces risk and increases margins.
However, the journey from lab to field is not without its hurdles. Bayer expressed concern over negative public perceptions about technology, which can influence whether it comes to market. Jako Benadie, an agronomist at Bayer, noted that consumer pressure to prove technology’s safety for humans and animals has slowed down its release. “Some 20 years ago, the fear that prevails today over food safety did not exist,” he said.
Liza Bohlmann, lead for corporate communications at Bayer Sub-Saharan Africa, added that this pressure often stems from consumer sentiment rather than scientific fact. “People fear that which they don’t understand,” she said. “It is therefore vital that information on how the technology works, that it is safe, and offers immense value to food production, is widely publicised.”
The implications of these developments are significant. As seed technology becomes more region-specific, farmers can look forward to solutions tailored to their unique challenges. However, the journey from innovation to implementation is a complex one, influenced by consumer perceptions and regulatory hurdles. The challenge for seed companies is not just to develop these technologies but also to communicate their safety and value effectively.