Biological Nutrition Seed Treatment Supports Uniform Corn Emergence

10 July 2025, Johnston: Corteva Agriscience is enhancing its LumiGEN® corn seed treatment package with the addition of a new, biological plant nutrition component proven to promote germination and strong root development for more uniform corn emergence.

Lumidapt™ Valta LS nutrition seed treatment is a naturally derived seed treatment that delivers vital nutrients to support healthy corn emergence. Corteva research reveals a 2.0 bu./A yield advantage in multi-year testing, with the addition of this component to the LumiGEN corn seed treatment recipe.*

The nutrients supplied by Lumidapt Valta LS — including boron, sulfur, potassium, manganese, cobalt and molybdenum — are critical to early season corn health. “Each of these nutrients plays a specific role in germination and seedling development,” explained Rachel Woods, Technical Services Manager, Seed Applied Technologies, Corteva Agriscience. “When you look at photos from our studies, the roots and stalks at early growth stages appear longer and more robust, allowing the plants to utilize moisture and nutrients out of the soil. Data from trials has shown including Lumidapt Valta LS leads to improved uniformity and quality of stands compared to our current commercial seed treatment recipe.”

Timely, uniform emergence is a key factor in promoting higher yields at the season’s end. Agronomists have noted quantifiable drops in yield where plant to plant emergence is delayed by more than 3 to 4 days. Observations indicate that as the emergence gap grows, so do yield losses. This is because plants that are slower to emerge face greater competition for the soil nutrients, water and sunlight they need.

Lumidapt Valta LS is the latest advancement in the LumiGEN corn seed treatment portfolio, which is already number one in the U.S. and provides robust protection against insects, nematodes and fungal diseases. “Our goal is to continuously improve seed treatments for farmers planting Corteva seed,” said Brad Van Kooten, Marketing Leader, Seed Applied Technologies, Pioneer Seeds. “Innovations like these help our customers protect their valuable seed investment and bring in more bushels.”

Adding a new component to the recipe also creates complementary effects. For example, Lumidapt Valta LS is a particularly strong companion to Lumialza® nematicide seed treatment, a standard ingredient in the LumiGEN seed treatment package for corn. “Lumidapt Valta LS helps seedlings develop strong root systems, and then Lumialza helps protect those roots with a bio-barrier that keeps nematodes at bay,” explained Woods. “Together, they’ve been shown to enhance plant health and yields.”

Lumidapt Valta LS contains lignosulfonates, which are biopolymers derived from the lignin present in the cell walls of all plants. “The lignosulfonate found in Lumidapt Valta LS is extracted from pine trees,” said Van Kooten. “It’s a biodegradable substance that’s constantly generated by the paper milling industry. It’s important to Corteva and the farmers we serve to be able to bring forward seed treatments with sustainable features like this.”

The latest LumiGEN® corn seed treatment package will be available exclusively to Corteva seed brands, including Pioneer® brand hybrids, for 2026 planting pending regulatory approval. To learn more about protecting and treating corn seeds, contact your local Corteva seed brand sales representative or visit Corteva.us.

Also Read: SML Limited Introduces SML Biologicals with StellarOn Registration and Rootiva Launch

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