Seed treatment with colored polymers increases the added value of the product

With advances in seed treatment in the country, producers and the agroindustry have been able to add more value to the final product. Seed coloring, made from colored polymers, is one of the technologies used in the sector and developed by the multinational Milliken. The company has invested in research and development, aiming to find more efficient, environmentally harmless products that favor the production process.

"It is good to remember that Brazilian legislation requires that treated seeds present a difference in color compared to untreated seeds. This is to avoid inappropriate use in feeding humans and animals with seeds that use chemical products. Therefore, it serves to differentiate grain seeds", explains Ivan Franceschini Jr., Senior Account Manager at Milliken for the Agriculture sector in Latin America.

In addition to color, increasing the performance of the polymer (through greater adhesion of chemicals to the seed), improving plantability, reducing dust formation and also improving the fluidity of seeds in planting equipment are among the objectives that the company has. tested in its modern Technology and Application Laboratory, based in the capital of São Paulo.

According to Rita Siloto, technical manager of the laboratory, different tests are carried out with samples of soybean and corn seeds, for example, by sending reports to customers. "We are investing in projects for the development of biodegradable and microplastic-free molecules "Local formulations to serve the Brazilian market are among our priorities. We also seek local production of polymers to bring more agility and efficiency to our customers", he states.

Throughout 2021, Milliken has dedicated more attention to larger projects focusing on innovation and improvements in industrial processes. "Our expectation is to have greater influence and participation in other crop groups, including winter cereals (rice, oats, barley and rye) or cotton solutions. The objective is to present to customers the cost-benefit of having a competitive product in the market", says Franceschini.

From small to large seed producers

To expand and strengthen its participation in the agro sector, Milliken has approached producers who use polymers in industrial seed treatment (TSI). This treatment is carried out by the seed industry, before reaching the producer, and provides greater accuracy in chemical doses. The concept of "on farm" seed treatment is when the producer uses equipment for sowing in the field.

According to the company, small and medium-sized producers are the most inclined to use TSI, while large producers have opted for the "on farm" treatment. Franceschini reinforces that in TSI the use of colored polymers is a mandatory prerequisite to ensure seed quality, unlike "on farm" treatment, where the use of polymers is less frequent.

"We found that the larger the company, the more technology is used. Investments in equipment and structure are made by large producers who are looking for a differentiated seed, with visual appeal - which is conferred by the colored polymers, and with good performance for planting", evaluate.

The executive also clarifies that rural producers are users of the technology. Therefore, "they do not decide to purchase polymer A or B. The exception is in cases where polymers are being used in treatment in the field, which is not so common".

There are also customers served by the company who grow corn seeds with specific needs for internal use in identifying a strain/type of seed for use in planting seed production fields.
And even faced with the challenges of entrepreneurship in Brazil, in addition to the impacts that the pandemic brought to different sectors of the economy, Milliken has continued to plan actions to increase its project base.