07.20.2025

Vandinter Semo, unique genetics in the field of anti-nematode cover crops

Located in Scheemda in the Netherlands, Vandinter Semo is a seed company specializing in the selection, propagation and marketing of forage seeds, cover crops and lawns. Since its creation in 1914, the company has developed unique expertise in seed production, collaborating with a large network of seed-producing farmers in the Netherlands and Denmark.

Among its various activities, the company stands out for its investments in research and the creation of cruciferous varieties with anti-nematode properties. Vandinter Semo focuses its research on cruciferous plants, particularly forage radish and white mustard.
 

Nematodes as pests for beets and potatoes

Nematodes are soil parasites that can cause significant damage to crops, particularly to the roots. The best known are cyst nematodes and root-knot nematodes.
The cyst nematode is a small whitish worm less than 1 mm in length. It attaches itself to the roots of crops to feed on them. It is the main pest for beet and potato crops. 
Root-knot nematodes for example meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. fallax tend to attack potato crops. The larvae of this parasite penetrate the roots where they cause the formation of galls and develop to the detriment of the plant. Moreover, in the event of proven contamination, the plot can be quarantined for several years!
 

champ de pomme de terre

Potato plot in Holland: Vandinter selects anti-nematode species to protect potato crops.
 

Cover crops for nematode control

Vandinter Semo encourages the use of specially bred cover crops to naturally control these nematodes. Sown alone or in a mixture with other nematode resistant species,  multiresitant fodder radish and white mustard give nematodes no chance to multiply which leads to a decline in the population. The use of nematode-resistant cover crops will have a positive effect on many cash crops.

In this area, the company also supports research initiatives and educational resources, such as the best4soil.eu website, to provide farmers with reliable and accessible knowledge about nematodes.

Finally, Vandinter's agronomists and research institutes share their knowledge on a site dedicated to soil quality and resilience: www.deweerbarebodem.nl

Like Cérience, Vandinter Semo makes it a point of honor to contribute to more sustainable agriculture by promoting more natural protection of soil and crops. Promoting cover crops as an alternative to conventional practices helps build the agriculture of tomorrow! 
 

-Visit the Vandinter Semo website

-Meet the Vandinter Semo and Cérience teams at the Potato Europe Netherlands trade show

-See our range of nematicide-resistant crop protection equipment:

-Read also: Acquisition of Vandinter Semo by Cérience