Soybean Seed Treatment Features Enzyme-based Technology

With a focus to offer science-based technology that performs in the field, Helena has launched Enertia, an enzyme-based soybean seed treatment that works to improve soil quality. It is being added to the existing Helena lineup of protected enzyme technology products. 

“Helena has been researching and developing biological products for decades,” says Mike Powell, senior brand manager of crop production and bioscience products for Helena. “It’s given our customers ways to make important changes on their farms such as the reduction of nitrogen rates and implementation of plant-based inputs. Now, with protected enzyme technology, we’re targeting the needs of our soil to take a natural approach to raising crop productivity.”
 

Catalyst For Growth
Powell goes on to explain how as a seed treatment, Enertia’s function is to improve nutrient availability in the soil as the plant’s root system develops. And as the soybean seedlings develop, Powell says Enertia acts as a true catalyst of biological processes in the soil and increases microbial activity in the root zone. 

“Enzymes play a huge role,” Powell says. “They increase microbial activity in the soil, which helps roots become more effective in supplying that nutrition to the plant. The challenge is to protect those enzymes in the soil and make them last longer.” 
 

Three Facets Of VersaShield 
Helena’s Enertia seed treatment includes VersaShield Formulation Technology to stabilize its enzymes for longer-lasting activity in the soil and more compatibility with other seed treatments.  

“The key for Enertia is the VersaShield technology to improve the longevity of the enzyme for fast, effective results with long-lasting benefits,” Powell says. “The technology also allows us to partner with other seed treatments.” 

Specifically, Helena formulates the products with the endoglucanase enzyme. 

VersaShield formulation technology provides enzyme compatibility with fertilizers, fungicides and insecticides. It helps stabilize enzymes for activity in harsh soil environments. 

And the formulation technology allows the product to disperse quickly through the soil to provide maximum effect to the root zone. Additionally, the company says it helps the product start working immediately, stabilizes enzymes for season-long benefit and provides a longer shelf life. 

The launch of Enertia follows the 2019 launch of Zypro, which also uses VersaShield formulation technology, for in-furrow and sidedress applications.
 

Results In The Field
In its prelaunch trials across the Midwest and southern geographies, Enertia produced a 14% increase in root weight by mass, a 3% increase in plant population and a 4% increase in shoot weight growth by mass. At harvest, the trials resulted in a 2.4-bu.-per-acre yield advantage compared with the standard fungicide and insecticide seed treatment alone.

The company says the product provides an 8:1 return on investment. 
 

Seed Treater Ready
Enertia is labeled for use in soybeans and dry beans. As an innovative seed treatment, the product provides a low use rate for ease of use with other soybean seed treatments. 

It is available for application using existing retailer seed treatment equipment. 

Enertia adds unique benefits to Helena’s line of soybean seed treatment fungicides, insecticides and nematicides.