<p style="margin-left:-7.1pt;text-align:justify;"><strong>Broomrape, or orobanche cumana, is one of the most noxious parasitic plants, threatening sunflower production across Southern Europe and the Black Sea. Damage caused by its presence can result in yield losses of up to 90%. Lidea offers its wide sunflower portfolio and extensive experience to withstand this longstanding pest. &nbsp;</strong></p><figure class="image image_resized image-style-align-center" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://api-com.lidea-seeds.com/uploads/2024/09/or_master_2_.png"></figure><p style="margin-left:-7.1pt;text-align:justify;">Broomrape originates in the Mediterranean region and has existed for more than three million years. It was identified as a threat soon after commercial sunflower cultivation started in 19<sup>th</sup> century Russia. This parasitic weed spread with the expansion of sunflower production from Russia across Eastern Europe and it is now present in the Black Sea region and Southern Europe. More virulent races have evolved over the last thirty years as broomrape rapidly spreads to new areas.</p><p style="margin-left:-7.05pt;text-align:justify;">There are many strategies to manage broomrape infestation including crop rotation, as well as mechanical, biological and chemical control. However, the most effective and sustainable way is breeding to obtain orobanche resistance.</p><p style="margin-left:-7.05pt;text-align:justify;">Lidea, as the third largest sunflower seed company in Europe, with a market share of 13%, takes broomrape risk very seriously. For more than 10&nbsp;years Lidea has been leading breeding programmes in areas with high orobanche infestation across more than 50&nbsp;research locations. This approach enables selection of hybrids with a strong genetic background adapted to local climate conditions.</p><p style="margin-left:-7.05pt;text-align:justify;">To help farmers address the broomrape risk, Lidea launched the OR&nbsp;MASTER<strong>®</strong>&nbsp;solution in&nbsp;2017. Today it has been updated with new resistant sunflower varieties, as more aggressive broomrape races appear.</p><p style="margin-left:-7.05pt;text-align:justify;">Many years of in-depth research and selection has resulted in effective genetic control through the presence of several genes. The resistance of OR&nbsp;MASTER<strong>®</strong> sunflower hybrid to broomrape has been reinforced, with multi-level defence depending on the stage of parasite life cycle.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://api-com.lidea-seeds.com/uploads/2021/08/or_master_.png"></figure><p style="margin-left:-7.05pt;text-align:justify;">Strengthening sustainable resistance by combining different genetics along with chemical and biological strategies enables Lidea to provide European farmers with personalised solutions adapted to specific local requirements.</p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_1E92Ov8O0"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s_1E92Ov8O0" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure><p style="margin-left:-7.05pt;text-align:justify;"><br>&nbsp;</p>

OR MASTER ®

OR MASTER®: The Shield Against Broomrape

<p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><strong>Sunflower downy mildew and its impact</strong></p><p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Sunflower downy mildew is a fungal disease that can majorly impact crops, ranging from a low percentage of affected plants to over 50 percent of a field. It is caused by a fungus called <i>Plasmopara halstedii</i>.&nbsp; Symptoms appear early in the plant’s growth in the form of yellow spots on the upper side of leaves, white spots on the underside of leaves, as well as plant dwarfism and sterility of the head.</p><p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><strong>Genetic research helps to combat sunflower downy mildew</strong></p><p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Breeding can help fight sunflower downy mildew by developing varieties that are resistant to the disease. By identifying genes involved in resistance, breeding can select sunflower varieties that are less susceptible to the disease.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Under the Mildew Master<strong>®</strong> solution, Lidea brings together sunflower hybrids adapted for cultivation in areas infested by downy mildew.&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized image-style-align-center" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://api-com.lidea-seeds.com/uploads/2024/09/mildewmaster_2_.png"></figure><p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><strong>Chemical seed treatment solutions and their effectiveness in combating sunflower downy mildew</strong></p><p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Chemical seed treatment solutions can be effective in combating sunflower downy mildew. However, experience has shown that they are not 100 per cent efficient: they can be washed away by heavy rains, and downy mildew can develop ways to mutate and bypass these solutions.</p><p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><strong>Alternatives to seed treatments for combating sunflower downy mildew</strong></p><p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">There are certainly alternative solutions to seed treatments for fighting sunflower downy mildew, and genetics is one of them. We split our hybrids according to their resistance: we only treat sunflower hybrids requiring additional protection, and we do not apply a fungicide to hybrids with the best genetic constructions. We market the latter under our Mildew Master label.</p><p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">However, while genetics help to reinforce the plants’ natural resistance to the disease, contributing to combating the pathogen in the long term, it is best to apply specific farming practices to mitigate the risk. Adopting sustainable agricultural practices such as crop rotation, genetic alternation, and soil management can help prevent the appearance of sunflower downy mildew and other sunflower diseases (e.g., <i>Verticillium</i>, etc.).</p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/QL5u2eOyRDE?list=PLkaTUDzh8aceLXTX2QKICzJvbQ4E-9e1r"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QL5u2eOyRDE" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure><p style="text-align:justify;">Mildew Master® presents two segments, ESSENTIAL and PREMIUM, catering to different levels of downy mildew pressure. Each segment offers a tailored defense against varying levels of downy mildew pressure, ensuring your crops thrive with resilience and vigor.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>For the correct selection and positioning of hybrids, it is necessary to consult our employees and to take into account regional characteristics.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Discover Lidea's research and market experts' opinion:&nbsp;</strong></p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/mWMgZ4xFVX4"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mWMgZ4xFVX4" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/ZADn4r3UWtE?list=PLkaTUDzh8aceLXTX2QKICzJvbQ4E-9e1r"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZADn4r3UWtE" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>

Mildew Master®

Mildew Master®: Total Fungal Protection

<h3><strong>Lidea Sunflower Seeds: Maximise Every Hectare with Boost &amp; Go</strong></h3><p>In an era of unpredictable climate change, tightening seed treatment regulations, and increasing pressure from weeds, birds, and insects, the earliest vegetative stages of a sunflower determine its ultimate yield. At Lidea, we believe every seed’s genetic potential should become a reality.</p><p>That is why we developed <strong>Boost &amp; Go</strong>,<strong> </strong>an innovative seed treatment approach specifically designed to preserve the genetic potential of Lidea sunflower varieties when they are most vulnerable. Boost &amp; Go solution acts as a critical shield for your crops. It is specifically engineered to <strong>mitigate losses caused by both biotic and abiotic stresses.</strong></p><h3><strong>The Science Behind the Success: Four Pillars of Performance</strong></h3><p>Boost &amp; Go is not just a coating; it is a comprehensive solution for crop establishment:</p><ul><li><strong>New Precision Coating:</strong> Guarantees perfect homogeneity for seamless sowing.</li><li><strong>Active Biostimulant:</strong> Triggers plant metabolism to accelerate early vigour and biomass development.</li><li><strong>Essential Nutrients:</strong> Provides the immediate fuel needed to boost emergence.</li><li><strong>Integrated Crop Protection:</strong> Shields the plant during critical germination and emergence stages.</li></ul><figure class="image image_resized image-style-block-align-left" style="width:76.64%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:466/536;" src="https://api-com.lidea-seeds.com/uploads/2023/10/boostandgo_sunflower_key_visual_cropped_web.jpg" width="466" height="536"></figure><h3><strong>Proven Field Results: The "Boost" Effect</strong></h3><p>Our pluri-annual trial network confirms that <strong>Boost &amp; Go</strong> delivers measurable advantages compared to standard seeds:</p><ul><li><strong>Plant Density: </strong>Up to <strong>+3%</strong> increase in plant population</li><li><strong>Canopy Development: +5%</strong> average biomass (at 4-8 leaf stage)</li><li><strong>Root Development: +25%</strong> increase in average root length</li></ul><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/359;" src="https://api-com.lidea-seeds.com/uploads/2026/03/vignet_webiste_1440x512_1_.avif" width="800" height="359"></figure><h3><strong>A Solution for Every Farm</strong></h3><p>We understand that every farm has unique requirements. Lidea offers &nbsp;a diverse and robust <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://api-com.lidea-seeds.com/uploads/2024/09/sunflower_brochure_2024_2025.pdf">portfolio of Boost &amp; Go sunflower</a> varieties to ensure the perfect fit for your local conditions:</p><ul><li><strong>Full Maturity Range:</strong> From <strong>early</strong> to <strong>late</strong> varieties, allowing you to manage your harvest window effectively.</li><li><strong>Oil Profiles:</strong> Available in both <strong>High Oleic</strong> and <strong>Linoleic</strong> types to meet market demands.</li><li><strong>Herbicide Technologies:</strong> Our range covers all major technologies, including <strong>Sulfo</strong>, <strong>Clearfield®</strong>, <strong>Clearfield® Plus</strong>, and <strong>Conventional</strong> options.</li></ul><h3><strong>Secure Your Genetic Potential Today</strong></h3><p>Don't leave your crop establishment to chance. Choose the seed that is built to thrive from day one. By enhancing germination, improving crop establishment, and protecting your investment at the early stages, Boost &amp; Go ensures your harvest reaches its true potential.</p><h3><strong>Beyond Sunflowers: Multi-Crop Availability</strong></h3><p>The success of the Boost &amp; Go solution is not limited to sunflowers. To provide consistency across your entire rotation, this innovative technology is also available for:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lidea-seeds.com/solutions/growing-corn/boost-and-go-2"><strong>Maize</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lidea-seeds.com/solutions/growing-forages/alfalfa-boost-and-go"><strong>Alfalfa</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lidea-seeds.com/solutions/growing-rapeseed/rapeseed-boost-and-go"><strong>Rapeseed</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lidea-seeds.com/solutions/growing-sorghum/sorghum-boost-and-go"><strong>Sorghum</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</li></ul><h3><strong>Ready to Boost Your Yield?</strong></h3><p>Are you interested in sowing <strong>Boost &amp; Go</strong> seeds or learning more about how our solutions can protect your farm's genetic potential?</p><p><strong>Contact our </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lidea-seeds.com/contact-us"><strong>expert advisors </strong></a>to find the best variety for your land and ensure your crop gets the start it deserves.</p>

Lidea Boost & Go: Maximise Sunflower Genetic Potential & Early Vigour

Boost & Go Treatment: Optimise your start

<h3>Are You Facing These Sunflower Challenges?</h3><h3>&nbsp;</h3>

High-Yield Sunflower Seeds: Expert Solutions by Lidea

GROWING SUNFLOWER

GROWING CORN

GROWING RAPESEED

GROWING FORAGES

GROWING SORGHUM

<p style="text-align:justify;">Lidea proposes an expertise and a diversity of crops and solutions that meet the performance needs of all farmers.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:justify;">With our knowledge, our spirit of innovation, our awareness of the challenges of today and tomorrow, Lidea is opening a new path. Above all, we do it with you and for you.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR VARIOUS CROPS&nbsp;</strong><br>&nbsp;</p>

GROWING SUNFLOWER

Are You Facing These Sunflower Challenges?

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