SEALICIT®: Down Regulating Genes for Pod Shatter Prevention in Oilseeds

In the world of agriculture, pod shatter in oilseeds remains one of the most challenging issues for growers. This phenomenon, caused by the natural splitting of pods before harvest, leads to significant yield losses and reduced marketable produce. With global demand for oilseeds like oilseed rape/canola and soybean rising, innovative solutions are critical to minimising these losses and maximising profitability.

SEALICIT®, an advanced biostimulant developed by Brandon Bioscience, provides a breakthrough in tackling pod shatter. By targeting the genetic pathways responsible for pod shatter, SEALICIT® enhances pod integrity, reducing seed loss and improving overall yield quality. This article delves into the science behind pod shatter, SEALICIT®’s mode of action, and its transformative impact on oilseed production.

Understanding Pod Shatter: A Persistent Problem in Oilseeds

Pod shatter is a natural process wherein mature pods split open to release seeds. While this process is crucial for plant reproduction in the wild, it poses severe challenges for agricultural production.

Why Pod Shatter Occurs:

1. Genetic Programming: Pod dehiscence is driven by genetic mechanisms that regulate cell wall degradation and weakening at the pod’s seam (dehiscence zone).
2. Environmental Factors: Temperature fluctuations, wind, and rainfall can exacerbate pod splitting, leading to premature seed dispersal.
3. Crop Maturity: Over-mature pods are particularly prone to shattering, especially during mechanical harvesting.

Impact of Pod Shatter:

1. Yield Losses: Studies indicate that pod shatter can result in up to 20-50% seed loss in crops like rapeseed and soybeans.
2. Quality Reduction: Seeds exposed to adverse weather conditions post-shatter often suffer from reduced viability and quality.
3. Economic Losses: For growers, these losses translate into reduced revenue and increased replanting costs.

SEALICIT®: A Revolutionary Approach to Pod Shatter Prevention

SEALICIT® offers a targeted solution to minimise pod shatter by down regulating the genes responsible for dehiscence. This biostimulant is formulated from Ascophyllum nodosum, a seaweed renowned for its unique bioactive compounds. SEALICIT® utilises Brandon Bioscience’s proprietary PSI® technology to modulate plant gene expression and enhance pod integrity.

How SEALICIT® Works:

1. Gene Regulation:
   • SEALICIT® down regulates key genes associated with cell wall degradation in the dehiscence zone. This strengthens the pod’s structure, making it less susceptible to splitting.
2. Lignin Deposition:
   • The biostimulant promotes lignin synthesis, reinforcing pod walls and increasing their resistance to mechanical and environmental stress.
3. Stress Mitigation:
   • SEALICIT® enhances the plant’s ability to withstand abiotic stressors such as heat and drought, which are known to accelerate pod shatter.
4. Delayed Senescence:
   • By slowing down the senescence process, SEALICIT® ensures that pods retain their structural integrity until harvest.

Scientific Evidence Supporting SEALICIT®’s Efficacy

Extensive trials and research have demonstrated the effectiveness of SEALICIT® in preventing pod shatter and improving oilseed production:

Key Findings:

1. Rapeseed Trials:
   • SEALICIT® reduced pod shatter losses by 30%, resulting in a 15% increase in marketable yield.
   • Enhanced seed quality with improved oil content and uniformity.
2. Soybean Studies:
   • The application of SEALICIT® increased lignin content in pod walls, reducing susceptibility to splitting by 25%.
   • Improved seed weight and germination rates.
3. Heat Stress Trials:
   • Under high-temperature conditions, SEALICIT®-treated plants maintained pod integrity better than untreated controls, demonstrating resilience to abiotic stress.

Case Studies: SEALICIT® in Action

Case Study 1: Enhancing Oilseed Rape Yield in Europe

Farmers in Northern Europe face significant challenges with oilseed rape pod shatter, particularly during mechanical harvesting. SEALICIT® was applied in a series of field trials, yielding remarkable results:

• 30% reduction in seed loss, ensuring higher returns per hectare.
• Improved pod uniformity, enabling efficient mechanical harvesting.
• Higher oil content, meeting premium market standards.

Case Study 2: Soybean Production in North America

Soybean growers in North America often struggle with pod splitting due to fluctuating temperatures. SEALICIT® was tested across multiple farms, showing:

• 25% improvement in pod integrity, reducing losses during harvest.
• Increased seed weight by 18%, translating to better profitability.
• Enhanced stress tolerance, ensuring consistent yields despite environmental fluctuations.

Case Study 3: Addressing Heat Stress in Oilseeds

In regions prone to heatwaves, pod shatter accelerates due to increased physiological stress. Trials with SEALICIT® demonstrated:

• Significant reduction in pod dehiscence under high temperatures.
• Consistent yields despite prolonged heat stress, safeguarding grower revenues.

SEALICIT®: Benefits Beyond Pod Shatter Prevention

1. Improved Oil Quality:

• By reducing seed exposure to environmental stress, SEALICIT® ensures that harvested seeds retain their oil quality and nutritional value.

2. Enhanced Harvest Efficiency:

• Uniform pod maturity reduces the variability in harvesting time, allowing growers to optimise their operations and reduce losses during mechanical harvesting.

3. Sustainability Advantages:

• By minimising seed loss and improving resource efficiency, SEALICIT® supports sustainable farming practices, reducing the need for replanting and additional inputs.

4. Economic Gains:

• Higher yields and better seed quality enable growers to access premium markets and achieve greater returns on investment.

Expanding the Application of SEALICIT®

Across Oilseed Crops:

1. Rapeseed/Canola: SEALICIT® ensures consistent yields and better oil extraction rates, making it an ideal choice for canola growers worldwide.
2. Soybeans: Improved pod integrity and higher seed weight translate to increased profitability for soybean farmers.

In Diverse Farming Environments:

1. Drought-Prone Regions: SEALICIT®’s stress mitigation properties make it particularly valuable in arid and semi-arid regions.
2. Mechanised Farming Systems: By reducing variability in pod maturity, SEALICIT® facilitates efficient mechanical harvesting.
3. High-Value Farming: For growers targeting premium markets, SEALICIT® ensures superior seed quality and uniformity.

SEALICIT® is transforming the future of oilseed farming by providing a reliable, scientifically proven solution to pod shatter. By down regulating genes associated with pod shatter, this biostimulant not only reduces seed loss but also enhances crop quality and profitability.

Take control of your oilseed production with SEALICIT®. Contact Brandon Bioscience today to learn more about this innovative solution and request a consultation or product trial. Together, let’s build a sustainable, profitable future for oilseed farming.

With SEALICIT®, you can safeguard your yields, improve seed quality, and unlock the full potential of your crops. Join the revolution in sustainable agriculture today.