More than 100 researchers, growers, and industry leaders from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Paraguay, and the United States gathered at Iowa State University on Tuesday, August 26, for the annual Spraytec Conference, hosted in partnership with the Seed Science Center (SSC) and the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology (PPEM). The event spotlighted cutting-edge discussions on corn and soybean pathology as well as the growing role of digital record keeping in modern agriculture.
For Spraytec, Iowa State University has been a trusted partner for nearly a decade. “We have partnered with ISU for the last eight years on the research side, and both departments have been an excellent partner and resource for us,” said Renato Firmento, Spraytec finance and operations manager. “This event was an amazing opportunity to continue that partnership and to educate our customers about crop conditions in the U.S., disease management, and how Spraytec’s portfolio has helped improve productivity and disease control.”
The conference reflected both ISU’s global reach and its commitment to strengthening agricultural systems worldwide. Attendees learned about current disease pressures in corn and soybeans, as well as innovative approaches to record keeping that can improve management decisions and support sustainable production.
Conference organizers from PPEM and SSC worked closely with Spraytec to deliver a program tailored to international growers, researchers, and industry representatives. Dr. Navi Shrishail, PPEM postdoctoral researcher, noted, “This was a valuable opportunity to connect global producers with Iowa State expertise. By sharing knowledge on crop pathology and digital tools, we are supporting better decision-making and more resilient production systems worldwide.”
The event was made possible through the efforts of PPEM faculty, including Dr. Alison Robertson, alongside SSC’s Tess Howard, who, together with Dr. Shrishail, ensured a smooth, successful event.
While this year’s gathering provided fresh insights, it was far from the first. The Spraytec–ISU collaboration has now been running for eight consecutive years, establishing the event as an annual tradition. With continued commitment from both Spraytec and ISU, the conference is expected to remain a cornerstone for knowledge-sharing in crop pathology and sustainable production practices.
About Spraytec
Spraytec is an international agricultural technology company dedicated to developing high-performance products that improve crop nutrition, protection, and productivity. Operating across the Americas, Spraytec partners with farmers, researchers, and universities to deliver innovative solutions that support sustainable agriculture and enhance food security. The company has worked closely with Iowa State University for nearly a decade, collaborating on research and training to advance knowledge in crop science and disease management.