Nuello^® iN: The game-changing biological seed treatment

Jonathan Ronksley is a Field Technical Manager for Syngenta. In this article, he talks about the opportunities for bacterial seed treatments and how Syngenta is helping farmers to deliver, with a reduction in the reliance on nitrogen. 

What is Nuello^® iN?

″Nuello^® iN is a bacterial treatment applied to seeds before they arrive on the farm. The treatment uses two strains of nitrogen fixing bacteria called endophytes. The bacteria colonise the plants from the roots and have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that the plant can use to enhance growth, both in roots and foliage.″  

How does it work? 

″The root colonisation occurs as soon as the roots first emerge. As it’s a ‘live’ bacteria, the process of fixing atmospheric nitrogen for use by the plant continues throughout the plants lifecycle"

″The impact of the enhanced growth means the plant’s root system is more extensive, allowing it to better utilise naturally occurring elements in the soil. The crop benefits from an increase in biomass – with average yield increases with Nuello^® iN in trials equivalent to up to 30 kg N/ha.

″Nuello^® iN still needs to be co-applied with a fungicide dressing to control seed and soil-borne diseases.″  

Backed by research

″We have conducted our own research for several years, and our results mirror those of Kansas State University and the University of Washington. Trials in varying soil and weather conditions back up  an average nitrogen benefit of around 30kg N/ha, thanks to the fixing of atmospheric nitrogen. This is especially beneficial in lighter soil types and for second cereal crops where nutrient deficiencies in the soil are more pronounced.  

″Researchers at the University of Washington that  discovered the endophytes   describe the endophytes to act  as a ‘backup generator’, helping the plant to grow and supplying a steady flow of nitrogen when other nutrient sources are more limited. Dry weather, temperature extremes and high rainfall can all lead to a reduction in available nutrients. Using beneficial bacteria to supplement growth in these circumstances can make a significant difference. It is an endosymbiotic relationship that has occurred in nature since plants first appeared on earth.″ 

When and where to use Nuello^® iN

″When the available nitrogen supply doesn’t meet the demand of the crop, Nuello^® iN can bridge the gap and ensure plant growth continues as planned. There are three drivers to use the product:  

Soil type: on light or shallow soils that are more nutrient deficient, Nuello^® iN can make the difference between success and failure by providing a balance from atmospheric nitrogen. 

Following nitrogen hungry crops: if the previous crop had a high demand for nitrogen, the soil will have less available to nourish the following crop. Using treated seeds in these circumstances can ensure the crop flourishes and gives the soil time to recover. 

Planned reduction: if you are looking to reduce your use of nitrogen, for environmental reasons or as part of a regenerative farming initiative, seeds treated with Nuello^® iN can minimise any impact of yield loss by fixing nitrogen directly from the atmosphere.″ 

Game-changer

″Endophytic nitrogen fixing action acts as a support system in times of nutrient stress.  

″Climate change is evident in recent seasons as well as over the longer meteorological record. Dry weather leads to dry soil conditions, excessive rainfall leads to soil leaching, delayed nitrogen applications or poorly rooted crops can all benefit from atmospheric nitrogen fixation. That’s why Nuello^® iN treated seeds could be the game-changer that allows our farmers to thrive, even in challenging conditions.″ 

Watch the video below to see how Nuello^® iN works