Key Takeaways
- Meristem Crop Performance introduced the MAX Family BioDefense product line, integrating biological and synthetic pest control solutions.
- The BIO-CAPSULE™ Technology allows pest control treatments without the need for liquid application systems.
- The product line targets major crop pests, including corn rootworm, soybean cyst nematode, and sudden death syndrome.
- Multi-year research indicates the system provides 10 times better seed coverage compared to traditional treatments.
- The company aims to make pest control more accessible and cost-effective for farmers.
A New Approach to Pest Control
Meristem Crop Performance (Profile) has introduced a full suite of products that combines biological and synthetic pest control solutions through its patented BIO-CAPSULE™ Technology. The company states that this technology provides an alternative to liquid-based applications, making pest control more accessible for farmers.
CEO Mitch Eviston highlighted the economic impact of crop pests, which he estimates cause $4 billion in annual losses to U.S. farmers. The newly launched MAX Family BioDefense product line is designed to address five key threats to corn and soybean yields:
- Corn rootworm (CRW)
- Soybean cyst nematode (SCN)
- Corn nematodes
- Corn root rot
- Soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS)
“We now have a way to effectively combat each of these threats,” Eviston said.
The MAX Family BioDefense Product Line
Meristem’s new product lineup includes:
- HT MAXSTAX Soybean
- HT MAXSTAX Corn
- HT MAXD Soybean
- HT MAXD Corn
Each of these products contains multiple active ingredients designed specifically for BIO-CAPSULE Technology, which ensures effective delivery without liquid application equipment.
“We know winners want to go fast and take cost out,” Eviston stated. “This provides a way to stack biocontrols and biofertility to get more bushels.”
Active Ingredients and Benefits
The MAX Family products feature BORNE X™, GUARD C™, GUARD M™, GUARD X™, and PREPHYTE™, which have been EPA-registered for use in the BIO-CAPSULE system. Unlike traditional liquid synthetic pesticides, these active ingredients do not require specialized handling or application equipment.
“We have invested in multi-year, independent third-party research documenting coverage and efficacy,” Eviston explained. “We are clearly delivering 10 times the effective seed coverage compared to traditional seed treatments and other in-furrow treatments.”
How Meristem BIO-CAPSULE™ Technology Works
The BIO-CAPSULE Technology enables the combination of biocontrol agents with synthetic chemistry, delivering multiple modes of action while maintaining effectiveness from application to planting.
An example of this is GUARD M™, a fungal biocontrol agent designed to target insect pests such as seedcorn maggots.
“Every field is different, and every season is different,” said Shane Brockhoff, Vice President of Sales, Western U.S. “Farmers need a way to fight back against these pests, but they don’t want to go back to having liquid insecticide kits on their planters. The BIO-CAPSULE provides new modes of action economically to help growers protect their crops.”
Looking Ahead
Eviston noted that the BIO-CAPSULE system could accelerate regulatory approval processes, allowing farmers faster access to new pest control solutions.
“We are designing solutions that take cost out and go after more bushels,” Eviston said.
Meristem Crop Performance plans to roll out the MAX Family BioDefense products in time for the upcoming planting seasons, with a focus on widespread adoption across corn and soybean-producing regions.
