Source: Syngenta
Seed treatments are a complex mix of active and inert ingredients. Although they may look the same on the outside, their formulations may be very different. A poorly formulated seed treatment can lead to product separation, equipment clogging and dust-off.
If you don’t know what’s on your seed, you may be sold a product that will lead to planting delays, uneven crop emergence and a potential need to replant. To maximize your ROI in next year’s crop, consider these key questions:
- What is your target disease and insect spectrum? Lower cost generic blend seed treatments may contain outdated technologies that have gaps in activity on certain pests.
- Has the seed treatment been shown to provide early-season protection? Generic blends often don’t offer the latest, innovative active ingredients or strong enough protection against early-season diseases to help prevent plant stand loss and damping-off.
- Does the seed treatment offer plant-health benefits, such as improved vigor and faster speed-to-canopy? Many generic blends can contain old technologies that are limited to basic disease and insect management, or untested technologies that claim to provide unproven root health and yield benefits.
- Is the formulation proven to perform under a range of weather and planting conditions?Generic blends may cause additional problems like sticking and increased rub-off during treating and planting if the environmental conditions change or become unfavorable.