Successful soya bean production begins long before the first shoots break through the soil. Healthy plants depend on well-treated seeds that can resist diseases, pests, and environmental stress. As the planting season approaches, South African farmers are seeking cost-effective ways to protect their crops and enhance yields. Fortunately, a new, advanced seed treatment application option is now available locally, promising precision, protection, and performance.
Syngenta Seedcare, in collaboration with KSi in the United States, has introduced cutting-edge seed treatment applicators through selected distribution partners in South Africa’s major soya bean production areas. This initiative brings modern seed treatment technology closer to farmers, ensuring their seeds are protected and treated with high accuracy before planting.
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At the core of this development is Cruiser Ultimate, one of Syngenta Seedcare’s flagship products, powered by Atuva Bold and supported by trusted formulations such as Apron XL, Celest XL, and Cruiser. This all-in-one liquid seed treatment offers comprehensive protection for both seeds and seedlings. It combines Osmo Protection and Bio-induction technologies, which enhance early nodulation, promote biological nitrogen fixation, and help plants perform better under stressful conditions. The result is stronger, healthier seedlings with improved yield potential.
To support the efficient use of these products, three KSi SC Applicators have been brought into South Africa through a joint effort between Syngenta Seedcare and KSi. These applicators provide farmers with a practical, precise, and economical way to treat seed before planting.
According to the seed treatment industry, inoculants can be applied using three main methods: tank mix, wet sequential, and dry sequential. However, Syngenta Seedcare only uses the wet sequential method, which involves applying the inoculant and seed treatment simultaneously from separate tanks. This approach, explained Jurgens Minnaar, Syngenta Seedcare Business Manager for South Africa, ensures the best results by maintaining the correct balance between products. “Proper slurry preparation is essential for accurate seed treatments,” Minnaar noted. “All products must be mixed in the right ratio to guarantee that each seed receives the correct dosage. Overapplication wastes money, while underapplication reduces protection — precision is key.”
The KSi SC Applicator has been praised for its accuracy and efficiency. Steve Huber, Director of Global Sales at KSi, explained that the system can handle high volumes of seed with pinpoint precision, making it both cost-effective and environmentally responsible. “We calibrate the treater to ensure the correct amount of active ingredient is applied every time,” Huber said. The system allows for tailored treatment recipes, offering flexibility for a wide range of crops.
One of these advanced treatment units is available at Novon Protecta in Heilbron, Free State — one of Syngenta’s key partners. In total, three of these units are currently available at selected distribution points across the country. Beyond soya beans, the applicator can also treat other crops such as maize, wheat, and groundnuts, offering versatility to farmers who grow multiple crops.
Johnny Claassen, owner of Novon Protecta Heilbron, highlighted the precision of the new system: “After calibration, the treater is accurate to the millilitre, ensuring exact dosing. Mixing Cruiser Ultimate with Atuva Bold in the correct ratio helps farmers save money, eliminate overapplication, and achieve uniform seed coverage.”
The applicator’s design also enhances ease of use. As Eben Claassen, who co-manages Novon Protecta Heilbron, pointed out, the machine automatically shuts off when the bulk seed bag empties, preventing unnecessary wastage. Its speed and efficiency also allow for higher throughput, helping farmers prepare seed more quickly during the busy planting season.
Farmers who have tested the technology are already reporting positive results. Abrie Pretorius, a Heilbron-based farmer, said he was impressed with the seed coverage and gentle handling: “The seed was thoroughly coated without being damaged — no breakages, no split kernels. That’s a big advantage for us.” Similarly, Thabo and Johan Strydom from L & T Boerdery, one of the area’s largest soya bean producers, praised the speed and precision of the system. “With the faster application and accurate dosing, we can plant our 3,000 hectares efficiently and reduce unnecessary double treatments. That means better profitability in the long run,” Thabo said.
With these advancements, Syngenta Seedcare and KSi are helping South African farmers embrace a new era of precision agriculture. By combining proven chemistry with modern application technology, they are ensuring that each seed gets the right start — leading to stronger plants, higher yields, and greater farming success.
For more information, farmers can contact Yolandi Furniss at Yolandi.Furniss@syngenta.com or visit syngenta.co.za and ksiedge.com.