Primed for Potential: Advancing Crop Resilience with New Seed Treatment Technology 

Acadian’s new ASM (Abiotic Stress Management) seed treatment is an abiotic stress management solution designed to be formulated alongside traditional biotic seed treatments—those targeting pests and diseases. This complementary approach delivers dual protection, giving crops the resilience to withstand both environmental and biological stressors from the moment they emerge. 

At the heart of the formulation is Acadian’s seaweed extract technology which is enhanced with a synergistic second active compound that significantly increases its anti-stress efficacy. This novel combination of active ingredients primes the seedling against water and temperature stress, optimizing growth and early plant performance under challenging conditions. 

“We’ve developed a truly next-generation seed treatment,” says Dr. Holly Little, R&D Director at Acadian Plant Health. “By stacking abiotic and biotic seed treatment technologies, farmers can give crops a stronger, more balanced start.” 

Unlike traditional seed treatments that focus primarily on protecting the seed from disease and pests, biostimulant-based seed treatments interact with the seed’s biology—triggering internal processes that help the seedling grow stronger under stress conditions. Acadian’s new ASM seed treatment primes seedlings against water and temperature stress at the most susceptible early growth stages, supporting early root and shoot development and promoting vigor during the critical establishment phase. 

Acadian’s ASM seed treatment has been extensively trialed across a range of environments and stress conditions—demonstrating consistent and measurable gains in early growth, biomass, and yield. These results highlight the power of priming against abiotic stress right from the seed. 

Key trial outcomes include: 

Maize:

• Yield increases of up to 16% under hydric (drought) stress 

Soybean: 

• 28%–35% increase in root biomass under stress 
• Up to 6.4% higher yield across multi-location trials 

Wheat and corn: Enhanced expression of stress-response genes under cold and drought conditions, confirming priming activity at the molecular level. 

These gains were observed without negative effects on germination, emergence, or seedling development, confirming that ASM seed treatment supports plant performance under stress without compromising early-stage safety or uniformity.

Designed for modern agronomic practices, Acadian’s ASM seed treatment meets crop protection product formulation standards, ensuring ease of application and tank-mix compatibility. The formulation maintains uniform seed coverage, adheres well, and supports high-throughput seed processing without compromising viability or flowability. 

This compatibility empowers seed processors and growers to adopt next-gen resilience strategies without reconfiguring existing operations. 

Unpredictable weather has always been one of the greatest challenges in farming. Acadian’s seed treatment innovation offers growers one more advantage in managing that uncertainty. This technology is designed to help crops perform under real-world stress conditions—like sudden drought, heat, or cold snaps—making it a powerful tool for climate-smart and regenerative agriculture. It supports both productivity and sustainability, giving farmers the confidence to plant with resilience built in from the start.