A path to more sustainable agriculture
There is a growing interest in biostimulants in the agricultural world as the trend toward increased sustainability and reduced dependency on petrochemicals accelerates. In this fast evolving landscape, replacing crop protection methods based on eliminating threats with innovative solutions that make seedlings more resistant is a promising way to enable sustainable agricultural practices that preserve ecosystems while continuing to feed a growing global population.
Biostimulants for healthier crops
The idea is simple: incorporate biostimulants in seed coatings that help seeds germinate faster and stronger, reducing the need for chemical protection against diseases and pests during the plant’s growth stages. Yet while the concept is straightforward, the technologies and modes of action behind these solutions are new and diverse.
Based on microorganisms such as yeast, fungi and microbials, as well as natural extracts and minerals, biostimulants come in many forms with varying modes of action. This diversity makes seed care one of the most active and innovative fields in agritech today. A wide range of players, from startups to agrochemical giants, are racing to bring farmers innovative alternatives to traditional pesticides, which are being pushed out by tightening environmental regulations and increasingly discerning consumers.
The pressure to switch to biological solutions is further reinforced by the fact that traditional chemistries are encountering resistance issues from pests. Biostimulants are not only safer for the environment, they’re a more subtle and intelligent solution than chemical control: a healthy and vigorous plant in its initial development phase is less prone to disease and pest damage in its later stages.
A top tier global producer of seed coatings
For Syensqo, a global science company serving markets ranging from aerospace to consumer applications, positioning ourselves in seed care has become a strategic priority. This focus aligns closely with our commitment to sustainability, innovation and science-driven solutions.
Being able to formulate directly on the seed instead of on the plant is a more efficient and sustainable practice. While Syensqo’s formulation expertise previously focused on curative foliar spray, we’ve now actively moved toward preventive on-seed application, or what’s known as seed coatings.
With the launch of our first biostimulant, AgRHO® S-Boost, in 2019, Syensqo demonstrated how bio-based hydrophilic gradient macromolecule technology can help channel water and nutrients from soil to seed. And in 2021, we then reached a further milestone, with the acquisition of Bayer’s seed coating product line.
Bayer is a long time Syensqo customer and partner and was looking for an owner they could trust to take over their seed coating activity. Syensqo, meanwhile, lacked the competency to formulate on seed, so the timing was perfect.
This acquisition strengthened Syensqo’s position, placing us among the world’s top three players in seed coatings and enabling us to offer innovative biostimulant solutions to the seed industry from a much stronger platform.
The future of agriculture
The flagship product range in the acquired portfolio has long been known to the industry under the Peridiam® brand. Diam is for diamond, because seed coatings are shiny, slick and offer a perfect surface finish along with excellent adhesion, in many ways similar to formulating nail polish.
Peridiam® has now been fully integrated into Syensqo’s Seed Care offering. Plans include the development of 2-in-1 products combining Peridiam® coatings with biostimulants, as well as recommendations for customers who formulate their own solutions. At the same time, Syensqo’s R&D teams are advancing microplastic-free and biodegradable coating technologies ahead of upcoming regulatory shifts, reflecting both sustainability goals and industry trends.
Looking ahead, Syensqo is drawing on its broad portfolio to test and develop new seed coating solutions. This is a young and dynamic market, with lots of different and new technologies being explored. Using a biostimulant such as S-Boost for a field is one possible solution, but it all depends on the crop, the region and the local specificities. There are also many other innovations on the horizon, as the digitization of agriculture advances.
Syensqo is passionate about investing in these exciting new fields of sustainable and digital agriculture, so keep an eye out for what’s coming next!