Bacstim® Seed, Omnia Specialities’ five-strain Bacillus product, is designed for coating seeds before planting, and is suitable to all grain crop production systems. With spore forming capabilities, the microbes can survive on the seed for over 12 months post coating.
Mark Kirstein inspecting a Bacstim® Seed trial plot
The product delivers beneficial Bacillus strains to the plant, which promote rooting hormone production, nutrient solubilization (especially phosphate), and resistance against fungal pathogens. These benefits result in improved access to nutrients and water, ultimately leading to notable yield increases.
Moreover, they are compatible with fungicides and other nutrient products used during the seed coating process. This distinct property allows for ease of application onto seed without much effort or cost implication.
Andrew Doecke, the Innovation and Development Manager for Omnia Specialities Australia, compared Bacstim® Seed to the common practice of inoculating legumes with rhizobium bacteria for nitrogen fixation. He explained that Bacstim® Seed introduces highly beneficial microbes that may not be present in all cropping systems, thus enhancing the plant's overall performance. Doecke likened the addition of these high-performing microbes to bringing star players into a local sports team, which in turn improves the entire team's performance.
The benefits of Bactsim® Seed include:
- Enhanced seedling vigor: Bacstim® Seed promotes robust seedling growth by enhancing root development and nutrient uptake.
- Nutrient availability: Bactsim® Seeds’ Bacillus can solubilise nutrients in the soil, making them more readily available to plants.
- Stress tolerance: Bacillus are known to induce systemic resistance in plants, helping them withstand various environmental stressors which is particularly important for broadacre crops exposed to diverse conditions.
- Yield enhancement: By improving previous points, farmers often see improved crop yields and overall crop quality.
- Soil health: Over time, the use of these beneficial bacteria can contribute to enhanced microbial activity and soil health.
Legume crops also reap the benefits of Bacstim® Seed from the above-mentioned properties, as well as improvements in nodulation. Trials in Mingenew Western Australia performed by independent consultants, have measured a 36 per cent increase in nodulation on Lupins when applied to the seed, together with the inoculant. This illustrates increased microbial activity when applied in conjunction with Bacstim® Seed.
In conclusion, the development of the seed-applied version of Bacstim® Seed was a key breakthrough, making this technology more accessible and economical for broadacre cropping. While previous liquid injection versions were successful, the switch to seed application has reduced costs, making it viable for use in a wide range of cropping systems, from high rainfall areas to marginal cropping zones.
This article was written by Omnia Specialties for Seasons magazine.
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