SPRAYTEC MAGAZINE 03 ING

EDITORIAL A new beginning We are just a few days away from experiencing a new beginning, a new year, with everything that it implies. On the one hand, we renew goals, dreams, hopes... on the other, we take notice of everything we have experienced in 2023, and the truth is, it was a very moving year for everyone.

As a Spraytec Global family we grew, we exceeded expectations and I feel that we are making our contribution to achieving an increasingly sustainable planet, focusing on 100% biodegradable products, which together with good agronomic management carried out by the producer, we are consolidating that goal in the lands of the world.

But there is another aspect that is out of our hands, and that has to do with world peace. We experienced war firsthand with Yuriy Alatortsev, our Country Manager in Ukraine, and we know what it is about. In this edition of our magazine, we spoke with him and he told us what the horror of war means, being away from his family and managing an agricultural business.

The research comes from Alessandro Lucca Braccini and Lucas Caiubi Pereira. We will get to know the city of Des Moines in detail, the one we usually visit because our headquarters in the USA are there. The identikit is Renato Firmo, a Brazilian man who came to the United States to play soccer and today is a reference for this Spraytec family. Could Biostimulants play a decisive role in the new Green Revolution? This is what Federico Lagrassa and Esteban Ciarlo ask us all, from Argentina; Mariano Larrazabal, from Spain, develops what online reputation is and what are the factors to take into account in your agricultural company; and finally, Nuala Szler explains us how beer is made, that drink that so many times brought us all together at lunches, dinners and meetings with friends.

With the hope that your dreams come true, and that these holidays find us more united than ever, I wish you all a happy 2024!

To a sustainable and peaceful planet, here’s to all of us!

Sincerely, Diego Parodi President of Spraytec

A new beginning By: Diego Parodi

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Identikit Renato Firmento

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Research

Biostimulants in Argentina. The new green revolution?

By: Federico Lagrassa and Esteban Ciarlo

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Interview with Yuriy Alatortsev “We believe in a great future for Spraytec in Ukraine” By: Juan Carlos Grasa

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Beer: Data and Curiosities of an ancient beverage By: Nuala Szler

SUMMARY

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Territorial Roots Des Moines

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Report

What is online reputation, and what factors should you consider in your agricultural company?

By: Mariano Larrazabal

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Research AGRONOMIC EFFICACY OF FULLTEC PLUS ST THROUGH INDUSTRIAL TREATMENT OF SOYBEAN SEEDS By: Prof. Dr. Alessandro Lucca Braccini and Agr. Eng. Lucas Caiubi Pereira

General Production: Horizonte A editions

Snapshots

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IDENTIKIT

RENA

Renato Firmento, born in Brazil, moved to the United States in 2012 at the age of 19, having played soccer in his home country. He came to the U.S. to study and play soccer for the University League, focusing on Business Administration with a sales and marketing twist.

After graduating, he worked at Spraytec in the translation and events department before being hired by Emerson as a salesperson. Two years later, he was transferred to the Marketing department, and has been part of the Spraytec family for five and a half years now. What happened to soccer? “Now, I only play on Sundays,” he says. A father to Tomas, married in 2018, he enjoys his family and aims to continue growing in the American market. He is convinced that human resources and the quality of Spraytec’s products go hand in hand, “that’s how we continue to grow and conquer new horizons,” he concludes.

FIRM 7 - How do you see Spraytec’s growth in the U.S.?

It has been spectacular and a lot of hard work. Mainly in the last 3 years, we have had significant expansion in the country, establishing ourselves in several new states.

Additionally, we started manufacturing Made in USA products, providing strong support to local producers.

Happy with the current results and excited about what we have yet to achieve in the future.

8 - What do you miss about Brazil?

1 - Profession and position in the company?

Operations Manager 2 - Who are you married to and what’s your son’s name?

Married to Heather, and our son’s name is Tomas.

5 - How do you see your life in 10 years?

3 - Your soccer club?

Working at Spraytec and with many children.

The best in the world, Corinthians.

4 - Would you have liked to make a living from soccer?

I am very grateful for everything that soccer has given

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me in my life. At the same time, I always pursued parallel plans to sports. I dreamed of being a professional player, but as I grew up, I realized that wasn’t what the future held for me.

6 - Would you return to live in Brazil?

At the moment, no, because we have a big project here in the United States. However, who knows, maybe someday in the future.

Family, friends, barbecue, Corinthians’ games, and cold beer.

9 - If you had to build a team with Spraytec’s people, who would you choose as the goalkeeper, who in the midfield to distribute the game, and who as the scorer? (Do not take into account soccer characteristics, only human qualities and work capacity) Goalkeeper - João Zanoti. A goalkeeper should be a calm and intelligent person. João demonstrates these qualities and brings security to the team.

Midfield - Sales Team - They

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ATO

MENTO distribute the game (product) to our customers spread across the U.S. Scorer - Brandon Garrido - A person who is both patient and hardworking, always willing to help when needed.

Coach: Emerson Reis. He has a fantastic ability to spot talents and is an excellent leader guiding the team.

10 - What 4 friends should never be missing at a Renato’s celebration?

- Cristiano, Marcelo, Gustavo and André 11 - A quality of Pelé, Ronaldinho, and Messi: Pelé – The king. Decisive and historic.

Messi – The best I’ve seen play.

Ronaldinho - Joyful soccer.

Identikit 5

RESEARCH

BIOSTIMULANTS IN AR By: Federico Lagrassa1 y Esteban Ciarlo2 1 IDAGRO, Research & Agronomic Development IG @ idagrolaboratorio 2 Faculty of Agronomy at UBA / Fertilizar Civil Association (since December 2023) Introduction Man “from his beginnings was placed by the Creator in a garden to cultivate and care for it,” according to the biblical narrative of Genesis, chapter 2. Since ancient times, cave paintings around the world depict him as a farmer, hunter, fisherman, and gatherer, connected to food production for his subsistence.

However, in the last 100 years, the most significant leaps have occurred in relation to knowledge in the field of science and technology linked to Agronomy.

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The new green revolution?

Regarding the scale of perception of phenomena, advances in biology have been increasing, reaching the recording of processes at scales we could never have imagined. Today, we can understand plant responses related to growth and development and the physiological variations of mechanisms they employ to survive in an environment, which is often less than optimal. Recalling what our physiology professors taught us during our years of study at the Faculty of Agronomy of the University of Buenos Aires, we heard repeatedly that “plants do not think” but respond to stimuli from their surroundings.

The “physiology of stress” is the set of metabolic pathways in

the struggle against this giant, providing responses for survival, such as stomatal closure, thickening of cuticles, and the growth of hairs or trichomes, as responses to temporary water stress, to name a few aspects of daily crop life. In the quest to enhance plant responses to stress situations, physiological responses have been detected that positively affect plant growth after the application of products that cannot be categorized in the traditional concept of “fertilizers” – these are biostimulants. They need to be precisely defined and characterized for their use to achieve the levels of efficiency that the producer demands regularly.

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RGENTINA During our years of study at the University, we got to know the work of the American engineer Norman Borlaug and his invaluable contribution to humanity as a cereal geneticist, aiming to achieve yield potential. The work of this prestigious researcher and his team contributed to generating more food globally per unit of land, leading him to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 and triggering the Green Revolution. In 50 years, agronomy linked to the advancement of environmental sciences has taken center stage in a new Green Revolution, a process in which biostimulants could play a dominant role.

A Bit of History: Foliar fertilization, solid fertilization, or biostimulation?

Foliar fertilization is a pioneer in the field of plant nutrition, with the first references dating back to 1844 when iron sprayings were conducted to correct chlorosis in vineyards. Foliar fertilization has been widely employed for many years in horticulture, fruit growing, and other extensive crops to correct temporary deficiencies or enhance the commercial quality

of fruits. For example, Boron in sunflower and soybean, Zinc in corn, Cobalt and Molybdenum in soybean, Calcium in tomato and bell pepper, etc. Currently, the foliar application of nutrients is a widely used practice in production schemes across a diverse range of crops due to its ease and its integration with other agronomic practices. For instance, weed or disease control may lead to the addition of a fertilizer, taking advantage of the logistics employed in spraying.

On the other hand, traditional solid fertilization, with its methods of balance, replenishment, and enrichment, brings us closer to a static relationship of supply and demand for macronutrients to manage imbalances between soil supply and plant demand. This aims to correct significant nutrient deficiencies caused by current production systems and the accelerated depletion of our soils, a requirement for sustainable production systems. Most of the evidence supports that biostimulation benefits from a solid base fertilization for the optimal complementation of both.

Regarding biostimulation, we will refer to the international literature, particularly to Dr. Patrick Du Jardin, who clearly defines what a biostimulant is: “It is any substance or microorganism that, when applied to

Figure 1 Nitrogen incorporation into photo-assimilates to obtain complex nitrogenous molecules. The green line indicates an anabolic process, meaning with energy expenditure.

plants, is capable of improving their efficiency in nutrient absorption and assimilation, tolerance to biotic or abiotic stress, or enhancing any of their agronomic characteristics, regardless of the nutrient content of the substance.”

Now, we find ourselves at a crossroads: Do we use synthetic products, biomolecules or their derivatives, or both simultaneously? The answer is always the same: IT DEPENDS. It depends on each location and each crop, it depends on the technological level of each producer and their technicians, it depends on a matter of scale, it depends on the climate and how it will be modified in the coming years. Once we have all these points clarified, we can have a better understanding.

Understanding biostimulation: photosynthesis, the key process The definition of biostimulant brings us closer to agronomic and biological issues inherent to the plant’s growth system, a system governed by photosynthesis, a process well-known to us all but often overlooked.

If we want to understand how to make a plant produce well, we have to go back to the basics and comprehend how this perfectly intricate machinery is working at full capacity.

Although much is still to be learned about this process, biostimulants are proving to be intimately linked to this extraordinary process that enables life on the planet and upon which the global food production depends. Another highly relevant topic is carbon sequestration in soils, and this will happen when we truly focus on how to generate more photosynthesis – the pathway for atmospheric carbon to enter the soil-plant system. Understanding soil biology is crucial; otherwise, this goal pursued by humanity will not be attainable.

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The first law of thermodynamics states that “Energy cannot be created or destroyed but exists and changes its state,” so the radiant energy transforms into chemical energy in photosynthesis. The gain or capture of carbon by this process enables plants to assimilate nutrients and trap them in carbonaceous structures. In Figure 1, we can schematically observe the execution of this process and, in summary, the acquisition of amino acids with an energy expenditure. It is in this step where bio-stimulants exhibit their best action due to their composition and efficient introduction into the metabolic pathways of plants.

The key to biostimulants: Concentration, absorption, and time of transformation Any phytotherapeutic treatment applied to plants must overcome a physical barrier to enter the plant, which is the epidermis. Water is merely the vehicle, and its volumes moisten the target to varying degrees, but what will have an impact is the dosage of what is applied.

A technical aspect challenging our understanding of bio-stimulants is that despite their low concentrations, responses exist and are tangible. The solution to this puzzle lies in the fact that the mechanisms of action of a biostimulant appear to resemble those of plant hormones, whose actions have been extensively studied in the discipline of plant physiology. For example, leaf abscission or fruit ripening, visible to the naked eye, is triggered at extremely low concentrations of hormones. Consider, for instance, the ripening hormone, ethylene, which is a gas.

An analogous example in synthetic chemistry at low concen-

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trations in production is related to the use of herbicides; the case of methyl metsulfuron is an example. At a medium dose of 7 grams in 10,000 square meters, it significantly impacts weed control, even causing carry-over effects and phytotoxicity in crops like corn.

Bio-stimulants are characterized by being, to a greater or lesser extent, directly assimilable by plants, not relying on chlorophyll function for their absorption. In other words, they pass through from the epidermis to the vascular bundle, and with minimal energy consumption, they become part of cells in actively growing areas.

For example, in Dr. Saborio’s research using C14-labeled amino acids, it has been proven that absorption and internal translocation occur very rapidly after application, migrating immediately to the growing parts of the plant. Therefore, biostimulants demonstrate better absorption efficiency compared to many chemical products, where absorption often occurs without energy expenditure. It’s somewhat like a “Trojan horse” that accelerates physiological processes by providing a greater and more efficient entry into plant cells.

Faced with environmental stress, plants expend energy on repairing tissues, maintaining reproductive structures, etc., resulting in yield reductions due to the consumption of photo-assimilates. It is here that the energy savings mediated by biostimulation could be linked to field reports where strategic application of these bio-inputs shows yield increases ranging from 4 to 12%, or recovery phenomena in the face of certain types of stress (hail, pest attacks, herbicide drift, etc.). Often, the application costs make it feasible to cover the expenses of this technology.

The search for the optimal application window is a subject of significant effort by institutions and companies working with these types of products. A day of stress in the life cycle of an annual plant might seem of little magnitude to us humans, but today we know that if we delay the planting date by a day in crops like soybeans in the Pampas region, yields decrease. The same happens if we arrive late when we need to mitigate the effects of stress (abiotic/biotic) on a crop. If we act in time, we could be preserving reproductive structures that would oth-

Figure 2 Types of biostimulants and their effects on plant physiology. Taken from www.phloem.cl, based on the works of du Jardin (2015) and van Oosten et al.

(2017).

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erwise abort or reducing water loss through better stomatal control, among other factors.

Biostimulant Market in Argentina Biostimulation technologies have been in use for a long time, including inoculants, as seed enrichment with nitrogen-fixing bacteria has been present in the Argentine production systems for over 30 years. However, in the last decade, a diverse range of products defined as bio-stimulants has massively emerged in the market. This phenomenon has led to specific institutional associations such as the Argentine Chamber of Bioinputs (CABIO), which brings together most of the companies providing these technologies. Argentina has embarked on an irreversible path, enabling not only a different way to seek yield ceilings but also alternative approaches in production.

These approaches are related to issues linked to the preservation of natural resources, the preservation and increase of biodiversity in rural areas, as well as environmental care.

In its early stages, the biostimulant market was dominated by small and medium-sized companies that differentiated themselves through specific products or “specialties,” targeting specific market niches.

However, the major and large companies in the sector, often perceived by the public as “chemical” companies, are now the primary contributors of global knowledge in this field.

This new paradigm or “green” revolution paves the way for the transformation of well-established companies and the inclusion of new businesses, creating job opportunities and incorporating professionals from various areas, including food, ecology, biotechnology,

biology, and, of course, those linked to agronomy.

Types of Biostimulants Because bio-stimulants belong to a group of products with a completely heterogeneous origin and chemical composition, there are different classifications that attempt to group them into more or less heterogeneous categories. The most common classifications separate these products into six main categories: 1. Humic and fulvic acids 2. Hydrolyzed proteins and other compounds containing N, including amino acids and peptide blends 3. Extracts from algae and plants 4. Chitosans and other biopolymers 5. Inorganic products 6. Beneficial microorganisms Based on the definitions by du Jardin (2015) and Van Oosten et al. (2017), Figure 2 provides a summary of the types of biostimulants available in the market.

Some biostimulants, such as inoculants with Rhizobia (also called Biofertilizers, a special type of biostimulant with bacteria that have a clear nutritional effect) for commercially relevant plants like soybeans, are well-known and widely used.

However, many other products have a much more recent adoption, and it is in these latter products that research should be directed to calibrate responses for consistent results over time, for different crops, and under

various production conditions.

Note in the center of Figure 2 the impact of these bioinputs on plants: most of them have a close relationship with the energy plants expend to maintain both their vegetative and reproductive structures.

Final Considerations Throughout ancient times, humans have mastered the Earth’s resources for sustenance, using reason as a divine gift for their perpetuity. They have discovered molecules, invented machines to make processes more efficient, comprehended the cycle and transformation of energy for food production, and even extended their reach to outer space to observe its behavior.

Today, humanity returns to the roots of that garden where it was placed, understanding that better ways to coexist with the environment must be sought.

From the standpoint of energy balance throughout its chain, more harmonious forms of production with the environment on which its existence depends need to be pursued.

Meanwhile, the Agricultural production system in Argentina has embarked on an irreversible path in the use of bio-stimulants, presenting us with the challenge of continuous learning and the pursuit of better and more abundant harvests.

References - Du Jardin P. 2015. Plant biostimulants: Definition, concept, main categories and regulation.

Hortic. 196: 3–14.

- Van Oosten MJ, Pepe O, De Pascale S, Silletti S, Maggio A. 2017. The role of biostimulants and bioeffectors as alleviators of abiotic stress in crop plants.

Biol. Technol. Agric. 4: 5. DOI 10.1186/s40538-017-0089-5.

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INTERVIEW

“We believe in a great future for Spraytec in Ukraine” Juan Carlos Grasa Director of HorizonteA Those of us who make Spraytec Global, who are also your friends and colleagues, want to know how your life is right now.

First of all, this is my privilege and honor to be part of the global Spraytec family.

As you all know Ukraine is going through a difficult and challenging time with an ongoing war, constant bombing of Ukrainian cities by Russian ultrasonic missiles as well as ballistic missiles and drones.

This means that there is no safe place in Ukraine starting from February 2022. Since I have served 2 years in the Soviet Army myself, I know what orders can be given by Russian commanders and how these orders will be executed.

We have experienced Russian Army spirit in the south, north and east of Ukraine where they were not only killing hundreds of thousands of civilians but also tortured and abused men,

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Yuriy Alatortsev, representative of Spraytec in Ukraine, spoke about the reality that he is experiencing in a war situation, far from his family, he clings to his work team and dreams of a company plant on Ukrainian lands.

women and children irrespectively of the race, religion, age.

Mariupol, a city on the Azov Sea which is now 100% occupied by Russians which before the war had 432,000 people now has only 120,000 living in occupation, some of those residents fled to inland Ukraine, around 150,000 people are refugees in Europe or elsewhere of which around 30,000 moved voluntarily or taken as hostages to Russia including children.

There is still a large amount of “missing” people of whom many are dead and we will never find the story nor the place where they were buried.

Could it be classified as a humanitarian crisis?

Yes, the Red Cross described the situation in Mariupol as “apocalyptic” while Ukrainian authorities accused Russia of engineering a major humanitarian crisis in the city.

Ukrainian officials reported that approximately 25,000 civilians had been killed and that at least 95% of the city had been destroyed during the fighting, primarily by largescale Russian bombardments.

In an official statement, the United Nations confirmed the deaths of 1,348 civilians in Mariupol, but warned that the true death toll was likely thousands higher while also reporting that 90% of the city’s residential buildings had been damaged or completely destroyed.

For reference: Mariupol is the largest city in Ukraine to be almost completely destroyed

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during the full-scale Russian invasion. Most of its residents lived under a complete siege for almost two weeks, without the opportunity to escape from the shelling. In some parts, this period stretched for almost a month.

What was Mariupol like before the war?

Over the past 7 years, Mariupol had managed to be-

come an “updated showcase of Ukrainian Donbas,” and served as an example to many Ukrainian cities. New jobs were created, higher educational institutions were opened, the city’s infrastructure was renovated, and international investors allocated tens of millions of dollars for development. At the same time, Mariupol was only a few kilometers from the front line. In the span of just a few days, all these achievements were destroyed.

Maybe some of this information will throw some light on the reality of the situation in Ukraine where around 10 million people are now refugees all over the world including my own family. My wife and my youngest daughter are now residing in Britain under a special program called “Home for Ukrainians”. My niece is in Poland with her daughter working in a hotel as a cleaning lady.

My eldest daughter and her husband are in Germany and just few weeks ago I became a grandfather for the second time, this time my granddaughter was born in Germany and I have no idea if and when I will be able to see her as men of my age who can still carry a gun are staying in Ukraine until the end of the war and if necessary are drafted to the army.

What is it like to manage an agricultural business in a country at war and what possibilities do you have to visit clients?

In Ukraine from the very beginning of the war we have martial law which does not allow to travel during the night time, pa-

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“My eldest daughter and her husband are in Germany and a few weeks ago I became a grandfather for the second time, this time my granddaughter was born in Germany and I have no idea when I will be able to see her” trol is strictly controlling highways, cities and small communities as well. This makes our traveling quite limited unless you take a train the only overnight travelling possibility.

There are no commercial airports working in Ukraine since the beginning of the war. Even drones for agriculture you have to use with the permit from the military.

We were very lucky that none of our personnel was directly affected by the war, all of us are alive and most of the employees returned from abroad where they lived during the first year or the war working remotely whenever possible.

We had one agronomist who went to the war and returned alive just recently because of his age. We have another exemployee that is currently carrying a gun and is somewhere at the frontline.

We managed to move our office, warehouse and stock to western Ukraine during the first months of the war while other companies were caught and had serious losses. Now, almost 2 years of operation under war conditions we have a better picture of the situation and we spread our risk by keeping our stock in various geographic locations of Ukraine as far as possible from the front line.

The customers who refused 12

to take our product during the first year of the war, some of them even pre-paid our products came back to us in 2023 because of our good relations with customers as we work on trust basis. What they returned in 2022 because of the war, they purchased again in 2023 and purchased much more.

This is a sign of helping each other as we and the customers in Ukraine today are in the same boat!

During 2023 we had trials with customers and to some trial locations or fields we were not allowed to come because a drone or a missile exploded just in that field or around.

Those territories are closely examined by the military before anyone can do business there again does not matter if this is planting, spraying or harvesting. Many times combines catch remainders of a mine or a missile left after explosion.

In the territories in the north, east and south which were occupied, tractors and combines can drive over a mine with casualty and sometimes deaths of farmers. Demining of fields in Ukraine is a real problem which is being discussed on the international level globally and will take billions of US$

and years if not decades to clean up.

What is your place now and where to develop your work?

After living one year in “exile” in western Ukraine we have decided to move back to the capital despite the risk of bombings as bombings are happening all over the country and risk is present everywhere even in the most remoted village. Our brave office ladies (back office: accountants, bookkeepers, logistics) insisted that we return and rent an office in Kyiv as we did before the war and we have followed their advice. One of the main requirements in Ukraine now for the office space is a bomb shelter.

Our men spend 95% of their time in the fields visiting customers, making presentations, consulting and doing demos and they have been doing a great work this season increasing our market share and geographical presence. Of course, by default we exclude

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paint it in military equipment colors and donate these vehicles to their friends, brothers and sisters in the front line. All this is making our victory just a mile shorter.

developing areas which are in close proximity to front line.

Moreover, men can be drafted to the army any time so we always take this into consideration understanding that we can lose anyone from our team to the army.

What are your expectations for the next planting?

Next planting is going to be difficult for everyone as cashflow situation of farmers leave much to be desired. Financing is not easily available, it is expensive and because of the Black Sea ports blockade by Russian Navy Ukrainian farmers lose biggest part of the potential margin to freight which is ridiculously high sometimes the freight is higher than the cost of goods sold. With lower income and many small grains being loss making crops farmers will choose between soybeans, corn, sunflower seeds and sugar beets (the highest margin today) before they will consider planting wheat or barley. Also, winter crops area already decreased seriously for the above reasons.

wish is in this difficult time.

The greatest wish is victory which means this is the wish #1, #2, #3 and #100. The whole country is consolidated now trying to help each other and the army with what they can. Women are making warm socks, sweatshirts, hats, dry soup packages, first aid kits, camouflage nets for the winter and for the summer, candles which soldiers can use in the trenches to warm up during cold winter nights and many more. Men save and collect money and buy SUVs from EU,

Apart from receiving freedom and sovereignty our Ukrainian team has a wish to develop Spraytec in Ukraine at the top level not only in terms of quantity but also in terms of quality, make customers happy with our technology and build a factory in Ukraine after the victory.

We have made our first steps on the market where people are becoming aware of our brand, products and advantages our products may offer.

We have customers who farm 100,000 ha and more who are testing our products.

We believe in a great future of Spraytec in Ukraine, stronger friendship between Argentinean and Ukrainian nations, spreading the best farming practices from one continent to another and feeding the world with the best quality food at lowest possible production costs saving planet in general and our environment (water) in particular. One lake at a time!.

Returning to the personal level, we tell you how you see the future and what your greatest 13

REPORT

BEER: Data and Curiosities of an Ancient Beverage By: Lic. Nuala Szler

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he world of beer is a fascinating one, filled with different styles and nuances. In recent years, with the emergence of the craft beer industry, we all have been discovering and appreciating it according to our own preferences and tastes.

A wide variety of recipes are now at our fingertips to explore, taste, and share great moments. Different types of this beverage are specially crafted, keeping each consumer in mind.

Let’s explore, in this article, some data and curiosities about beer, a symbol of celebration, unity, and delight since the earliest civilizations and ancient times.

In essence, what is beer?

Beer is made up of four basic ingredients: malt, water, hops, and yeast. These, in different proportions, types, and processes, make each beer unique. Each ingredient plays an essential role in the brewing of this beverage, defining its flavor and quality.

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We have often heard that beer is an alcoholic beverage fermented from cereal. Generally, it involves barley malt, although over the years, different grains have proven to be useful, such as rye, oats, millet, or sorghum.

The term “malt” refers to the malting process, a bit of a redundancy. It involves soaking barley so that it germinates under controlled conditions and can then be dried and toasted. Malt primarily contributes to the color of beer.

The entire process enables the activation of enzymes present in the barley grain, aiming to convert the available starch into a source of sugars.

Depending on the degree of toasting achieved during the malting process, we can find barley malts ranging from lighter to darker shades, defining the beer’s color. Moreover, in those darker malts, malt becomes the primary ingredient responsible for roasted aromas.

Next is water, the ingredient in the highest proportion in beer, representing between 85% and 95% of it. The quality of this component directly

influences the drink’s taste.

Therefore, the quality of water sources has always been crucial when establishing a brewery.

The third fundamental ingredient is hops, contributing its distinctive bitterness to the beverage. It affects both the taste and aroma while stabilizing the foam. Specifically, the hop flowers, a resilient plant in extreme temperatures, are used in beer production.

Lastly, there is yeast. This ingredient is added last, once the wort is filtered, following the boiling procedures (during which hops are incorporated) and the centrifugation process. Yeast is responsible for converting cereal sugars into alcohol during the significant fermentation process.

Based on the type of yeast, two main types of beer are fundamentally distinguished: those brewed with lager yeast, characterized by low fermentation, and those brewed with ale yeast, characterized by high fermentation.

A bit of history It seems that it all began a

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long time ago, around 3300 B.C., with the first great civilization of the Middle East, the Sumerians. Primarily, it was women who practiced the art of brewing beer. They prepared a unique barley bread with spices and then let it ferment in containers with water. This primitive beer was named “sikaru,” which means “what the mouth desires.”

The next key players were undoubtedly the people of ancient Egypt, around 1200 B.C., approximately. The Egyptians, attributing the invention of such a beverage to the god Osiris, perfected the recipe and made it a fundamental part of the diet for most of their population. Its produc-

tion reached significant proportions, especially during the time of the pharaohs.

Some time later, the Greek civilization inherited from the Egyptian people the “zythum” or “barley wine,” along with their methods and recipes for production. Similarly, the neighboring people of the Phrygians, the ancient region of Asia Minor, whose King Midas was buried alongside the remains of the special beer of that time, did the same. A few years later, the Romans regarded “cerevisia” as the brew of the barbarian peoples with whom they often engaged in wars.

Subsequently, beer consump-

tion spread to northern Europe and gained prominence under the Christian order and its new urban life. Its production was primarily concentrated in monasteries, thanks to the understanding of the brewing process and the availability of lands for cultivation.

Around the year 1000, everything changed with the significant discovery of hops and its potential to prolong the drink’s shelf life. Since then, with the arrival of beer in the British Isles thanks to the migration of the Flemish, traditional beer without hops began to be distinguished from those that included it.

It will finally be in Bavaria

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Specialists even affirm that craft beer was born from the need to find new flavors. where the new ferment, yeast, is born—a product of human manipulation that has been consistently incorporated since then. In 1516, another significant milestone occurred with the enactment of the “Beer Purity Law.” This regulation governed beer production and stipulated the use exclusively of water, malt, hops, and yeast for the brewing process.

The law persisted until the 19th century and continues to be the foundation and essence of every beverage defined as beer today.

In the following years, the popular beverage diversified, with the emergence of lager beer and significant advances in the brewing industry in the 16th century. Another turning

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point arrived in 1842: the birth of the Pilsner style, a golden and transparent beer, still widely influential today, pioneered by the German brewmaster Joseph Grolle.

With the Industrial Revolution, beer production experienced an unprecedented progress on a global scale. The brewing process transitioned from homes and small factories to large industries, later to be commercialized in the famous “pubs.” Scientific and communication advances, such as the railroad, made beer a popular drink everywhere. Discoveries in microbiology, packaging methods, and refrigeration enabled year-round beer production.

In the mid-20th century and up to the present, the ways of

conceiving beer have expanded even further. Various styles have developed, alongside the resurgence of more traditional ones. The beer culture became more intense than ever.

The Craft Beer Boom In Argentina, the recent years have been marked by an unprecedented development and production of craft beer.

Throughout the country, bars and breweries have created and promoted their own recipes, designed and crafted especially for each type of consumer. A wide variety is now available, surpassing the classic division between lager and ale beers.

Currently, beer remains one of the most popular beverages worldwide. Beyond the essential ingredients in its production—water, malt, hops, and yeast—different styles require various additional ingredients.

These additions diversify and expand craft beer production, including honey, sugar, fruits, and non-malted cereals.

With the growth of the craft beer industry, the level of ap-

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preciation and differentiation of the final product has reached unimaginable levels.

Consequently, this has transformed breweries into almost an independent profession—a specialized and specifically dedicated place for offering and enjoying the vast variety of beers produced today.

Argentina and the Cultivation of Hops With the rise of IPA-style beers and their derived styles, the demand for hops has grown exponentially. Its cultivation in Argentina has gained significant importance, especially because its flowers are an essential element in the production of these types of beers.

Given its chemical composition, this element contributes specific characteristics. In fact, within the hop flowers are lupulin glands, a resin rich in bitter, aromatic, and essential oil components, which impart the flavor to these beers.

was introduced. The adaptation of the latter has been highly successful, to the extent of producing a higher percentage of alpha acids here than in its place of origin.

In particular, alpha acids, along with beta acids, are the most important components of the hop plant. Besides being responsible for imparting bitterness, they represent between 5% and 20% of the total weight of the hop, depending on the variety.

The variety and freshness of the hop will define the quality of the beer. For its production, this variety is used as an extract, pulverized, or in pellet form. The latter is the most widespread since, with proper refrigeration, it allows for the adequate preservation of the acids and essential oils in the beverage.

A Special Flavor According to Argentine master brewers, three main factors give craft beer a unique taste and differentiate it from industrial ones: the proportions of its raw materials, the brewing process, and the absence of preservatives.

Experts even claim that craft beer originated from the need to discover new flavors.

It started as nothing more than an experiment, which later became specialized and professionalized. Since then, each producer has incorporated their own modifications throughout the process, resulting in a beer with individual and distinctive characteristics. This, most likely, is what makes craft beer so special.

Each brewmaster has their own formula: a personal flavor not found in any market.

In Argentina, the cultivation and production of hops are primarily concentrated in the region known as the Andean Region of Parallel 42. This area extends in the city of El Bolsón in the province of Río Negro and several other localities and regions in Río Negro and Chubut, connected by Route 40, in Patagonia.

The agroecological conditions there have supported the cultivation work since 1957, particularly of the aromatic Spalt variety, originally from Germany. Then, in 1975, the Cascade variety from the United States

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TERRITORIAL ROOTS

DES MOINES: A RISING CITY

D

es Moines, derived from French, meaning “Of the Monks” is the capital and largest city in the state of Iowa, United States.

It is also the seat of Polk County. Founded in 1843, with the construction of Fort Des Moines by the American Army, it was elevated to city status on September 22nd, 1851, initially named Fort Des Moines, which was later shortened to Des Moines in 1857.

Des Moines is much more than the geographical heart of the state. This city, which has experienced significant growth in recent decades, has become an economic and cultural epicenter that attracts both residents and visitors. From its impressive Capitol to its connection with the famous metal band Slipknot, Des Moines offers a unique experience beyond what one might expect from a city on the plains of Iowa.

quent storms, while winters can be very cold with frequent snowfall and persistent snow cover. There are seasonal contrasts in temperatures and precipitation, with an average annual precipitation of 32.1 inches of rain and 31.6 inches of snow.

velopment. Initially thriving as a central point for the trade of agricultural products, facilitated by its strategic geographic location, the wealth generated by agriculture contributed to the city’s expansion and laid the foundation for its future growth.

Education

Nowadays, Des Moines remains a hub for modern agriculture. The city is home to the headquarters of major agribusinesses and plays a central role as an epicenter for agricultural research and development of innovative technologies in the field. Local educational institutions collaborate closely with agricultural companies to promote research and the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices.

In addition to an excellent public school system, six colleges and universities are located within the city of Des Moines: •

Drake University

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Des Moines Community College (branch)

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University of Des Moines

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Grand View University

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Mercy College of Health Sciences

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Vatterott College

Climate Economy Des Moines has a humid continental climate with significant seasonal temperature variations. Summers are often warm and humid with fre-

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Since its early days as a settlement at the crossroads of rivers, agriculture has been a key driver for Des Moines’ de-

While agriculture remains an essential part of the state’s economy, Des Moines has successfully diversified its industrial base. The city has become a significant center for different sectors such as technology, financial services, and manufacturing.

Major companies have established a presence in the region, attracting highly skilled professionals and fostering a

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continuously expanding business environment.

Des Moines’ robust economy has not only generated employment but also driven urban development projects.

The construction of new buildings, shopping centers, and residential areas has transformed the city’s landscape, creating a modern environment that harmoniously blends with its rich history.

Demographics Des Moines has transformed into a melting pot of cultures and perspectives. The city has a predominantly young and active population, with a balanced gender ratio. This demographic dynamism is reflected in the diversity of the community, creating a cosmopolitan environment where numerous traditions converge.

Additionally, the city’s economic boom has contributed to a steady influx of professionals seeking job opportunities and a balanced lifestyle.

Des Moines’ demographic diversity is evident in its neighborhoods, cultural events and festivals, where influences from different communities intertwine to create a unique and welcoming city.

Iconic Tourist Attractions

Iowa Capitol: One of the most prominent tourist attractions, the Iowa Capitol is an architectural masterpiece that dominates the Des Moines skyline. Built in the early 20th century, the Capitol not only serves as the legislative center of the state but is also an imposing symbol of history and democracy. Visitors can explore its majestic hallways, learn about the state’s history, and enjoy panoramic views from the dome.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park: A 4.4-acre park located within Western Gateway Park in Des Moines, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park opened in 2009 with 24 sculptures and has acquired four more by 2020.

Managed by the Des Moines Art Center, the sculpture park features works by world-renowned artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Jaume Plensa, Deborah Butterfield, and Judith Shea. It is considered one of the most significant outdoor sculpture collections in the United States, making it a contemporary art gem for outdoor enthusiasts.

East Village: A quaint and trendy neighborhood, the East Village offers exclusive boutiques, eclectic restaurants and a lively cultural scene.

Visitors can stroll through its cobblestone streets, explore local shops and enjoy its vibrant nightlife.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden has been the premier outdoor attraction in Des Moines since its state-of-the-art facility opened its doors in 1939.

Spanning over 17 acres, the center features over 1200 individual plants displayed in various indoor and outdoor gardens. Various special events take place throughout the year, such as Yoga at the Garden and An Apple a Day, and the venue’s large glass dome allows visitors to explore the gardens year-round.

From roses and conifers to bonsai and orchids, there is infinite natural beauty in this splendid attraction.

Terrace Hill: A stately mansion near the grand Iowa Capitol, Terrace Hill is the official residence of the Governor of the Hawkeye State and has been designated a National Historic Landmark since 2003. Unofficially known as the Iowa Governor’s Mansion, the Hubbell Mansion, or the Benjamin F. Allen House, all depending on who you ask, this 18,000-square-foot property is an impressive example of Second Empire architecture and a must-visit Iowa landmark. Originally built for Benjamin Franklin Allen in 1880, the interior, exhibits, and collections of the property are open to the public for guided tours throughout the year.

Des Moines, Iowa, is a city that has transcended the expectations associated with the central plains of the United States.

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The city has a predominantly young and active population, with a balanced proportion between men and women.

Famous Musical Band Des Moines is not only known for its economic achievements and tourist attractions but also for its contribution to the music scene, especially in the metal genre. The famous band Slipknot has deep roots in Des Moines, with several of its members being natives

of the city. The band, known for its intense energy and distinctive masks, has taken the name of Des Moines to international audiences.

Slipknot’s connection to Des Moines is evident in their active involvement in the local community. They have supported cultural and charitable

initiatives, becoming ambassadors for the city’s music scene.

Conclusion Des Moines is a city that has surpassed expectations associated with the central plains of the United States. Its demographic growth, strong economy, rich cultural scene, combined with iconic tourist attractions like the Capitol and a unique connection to music through Slipknot, make it a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the unexpected in the heart of America.

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REPORT

What is online reputation, and what factors should you consider in your agricultural company?

By: Ing. Agr. Mariano Larrazabal Consultant in digital agromarketing and social media - Bialar. @AgroBialar Online reputation? You’ve likely heard about it at some point. But are you giving it the true importance it deserves?

Do you know what online or digital reputation is and how to take care of it?

What is online reputation?

If one of your digital goals is to capture and attract online users to convert them into customers, one of the aspects you must pay close attention to is the online image your agri-food brand is conveying.

If I told you that your sales and, therefore, the commercial life of your business will depend on the digital reputation of your brand, what would you do? You hadn’t thought about it that way, right?

Online or digital reputation is the image or perception that the public has of your agri-

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business or agricultural and agri-food company.

It is an extensive and general concept where several factors come into play, both internal and external.

The image or perception is usually created based on the content available on the web and the feedback that users or customers generate on different internet platforms, based on their own experiences.

What factors influence the online reputation of your company or profession The digital reputation of a brand or company in the agricultural or agri-food sector, as well as an agribusiness professional, is the result of the sum of two relevant factors.

Let me tell you what they are: Own elements: Including digital actions carried out by those responsible for communication and digital agromarketing and social media, among others.

For example: • Your website on the internet.

• The development of content marketing (Digital content: blogs, presentations, images, videos, etc.)

• Own social networks where the marketing plan is carried out on social channels.

• Communications through email marketing.

• Digital communication strategies on other web portals, blogs, or platforms.

• Tone or character used on social networks.

It is crucial to have experienced professionals in your digital team. And it is essential that they know your sector well (Agro Community Manager, social media manager, corporate communication manager). You need to be responsible for who you trust with your reputation.

I’m referring to the fact that online reputation is not just the sum of social actions

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generated by your brand and opinions in forums, but much more than that. It’s the result of a set of elements and factors, including signals and signs about the prestige and credibility of your brand or professional management.

Other elements that influence digital reputation that you should consider: • SEO Positioning: Websites or blogs with a good reputation are considered by Google as authoritative pages. This generates better organic positioning (SEO) on search engines, potentially increasing website visits

and the chance to convert a user into your customer.

• An optimal and carefully managed digital identity will help you establish yourself in the industry as a serious and prestigious company.

• Pay attention to negative reviews and take appropriate action. These can lead to product sales losses or service contract cancellations.

• Remember that having positive comments on your website or social media makes it

easier to retain customers.

• Focus on making your website gain the highest authority on the internet. It will help you gain the trust of your customers and encourage recommendations.

Ultimately, they become advocates for your brand.

Your online image will directly influence your prestige and credibility and, therefore, the commercial development of your company. Your digital footprint is a huge showcase to the world.

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RESEARCH

AGRONOMIC EFF

OF FULLTEC PLUS ST THROUGH INDUSTRIAL Agr. Eng. Lucas Caiubi Pereira TREATMENT OF PhD Candidate in Agronomy Program/UEM SOYBEAN SEEDS Prof. Dr. Alessandro Lucca Braccini State University of Maringá (UEM)

Introduction For soybean cultivation, it is estimated that over 95% of the planted area in Brazil uses chemically treated seeds, with 66% of this volume currently undergoing industrial treatment. Immediately after seed coating, the application of solutions based on mixtures of fungicides, insecticides, inoculants and biostimulants has shown satisfactory results in the physiological quality of seeds and in the crop yield. Similar behavior is observed when poly-nutrient complexes, such as FULLTEC PLUS ST, are added to the chemical treatment.

In this scenario, aiming to reduce the number of products applied pre-sowing, Spraytec developed FULLTEC PLUS ST, a product that combines various elements to form a single formulation applicable through seeds, in-row and foliars.

FULLTEC PLUS ST is a complex blend of compounds of different biochemical nature, 100% biodegradable, for seed treatment. It is a differentiated product, as, in addition to traditional Co and Mo, it provides macro and micronutrients, minerals, biostimulants, amino acids, root enhancers, organic acids, and microorganisms. It is a complete formulation for seed treatment, representing

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a promising alternative in the industry, applied independently or in combination with other products.

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance components and productivity of soybean cultivation from industrially treated seeds using FULLTEC PLUS ST over two storage periods.

Materials and Methods The study was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the State University of Maringá, in the municipality of Maringá,

Paraná state, in Brazil. Soybean seeds of the NA 5909 RG variety, with medium vigor, were used. Treatments consisted of combining two storage periods (0 and 50 days) with four commercial packages of industrial treatment (Bayer Technologies - TIS 1, BASF - TIS 2, FMC - TIS 3, and Syngenta TIS 4), to which FULLTEC PLUS ST was added.

The trial was carried out using a randomized block design, with treatment arrangement in subdivided plots and four repetitions. Combinations of industrial seed treatments were assigned to the plots, and storage periods were assigned to the subplots.

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FICACY

The following characteristics were evaluated: germination, initial density, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, number of lateral branches per plant, weight of a thousand seeds, and productivity. Variables characterizing performance components and productivity underwent analysis of variance (p < 0.05), using the Sisvar system for statistical analysis.

In the same storage period, mean comparisons were made using the Scott-Knott test, with a 5% probability level.

In the comparison between storage periods, with a single degree of freedom, the F-test was conclusive at a 5% probability level.

Results When comparing treatment pairs with and without FULLTEC PLUS ST (Table 1), it was observed that adding FULLTEC PLUS ST to commercial solutions provided superior results compared to treatments where the product was not added.

The innovative formulation of FULLTEC PLUS ST contains substances that can have a phytotonic effect on the physiological performance of soybean seeds.

grain yield. Conventional treatments, on average, considering the two storage periods, produced 43.95 (TIS 1), 50.24 (TIS 2), 55.50 (TIS 3), and 47.68 (TIS 4) quintals per hectare. After treatment with FULLTEC PLUS ST, for these same treatments, productivity was 52.95, 65.49, 76.27, and 59.55 quintals per hectare, respectively.

Under the tested conditions, the use of FULLTEC PLUS ST in industrial treatment allowed an increase in agronomic characteristics, regardless of storage, compared to seeds subjected only to standard treatment and, above all, compared to the control group.

For all analyzed variables, in both storage periods, the use of FULLTEC PLUS ST ensured higher productivity results than those observed in treatments performed without the use of the product. Therefore, significantly higher increases

in productivity were recorded only with the use of FULLTEC PLUS ST. Conclusion Under the tested conditions, all evaluated treated seeds were promising compared to the untreated ones. However, higher productivity was recorded only with the addition of FULLTEC PLUS ST. In both storage periods, the use of FULLTEC PLUS ST ensured higher productivity results than those observed in treatments performed without this product.

Considering both storage periods, the average of the four conventional treatments was 49.36 quintals per hectare, and when FULLTEC PLUS ST was associated with these treatments, productivity was 63.56 quintals per hectare, an average increase of 14.20 quintals per hectare or a 28.7% increase.

Table 1 Means of agronomic parameters: initial stand (EI), number of lateral branches (NRL), number of seeds per pod (NSV), number of pods per plant (NVP), weight of a thousand seeds (PMS), and productivity (PROD), in response to traditional industrial treatments, with and without FULLTEC PLUS ST.

It was noted that the increase in the number of plants per linear meter, obtained after using FULLTEC PLUS ST, was the variable that most contributed to the increase in crop

Means followed by the same lowercase letter in the row and uppercase letter in the column do not differ from each other using Tukey and F tests, respectively, at a 5% probability.

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