Over the years, growers have learned more about the soil and the different techniques to properly manage their crops. Changes in cultural practices such as conventional tillage, reduced tillage and no-till have affected the way growers prepare for planting.

Reduced tillage and no-till have become more popular during the past 15 years, as growers become more conscious of their environmental surroundings. Growers have long been called environmentalists because of their efforts in ensuring water quality and reduced runoff. Growers should aim to minimize soil erosion and to protect water quality and the environment.

Growers need to remember that reduced tillage and no-till keep the soil cooler and the residue left on the surface of the ground provides insulation, keeping the soil cool as well. Since the soil is cooler, there is an increased opportunity for more insects and pathogens, and growers will, therefore, have an increased need for seed treatments.

Germination

With more growers adopting reduced tillage practices and planting dates being pushed earlier each year, the stress of cooler soil temperatures and disease and insect pressure should motivate growers to use any tool available to help give seed an advantage. Commercially-applied seed treatments have proven to not only be good technology, but excellent value by protecting your seed investment.

The ideal soil temperature for rapid growth and development is different for all crops. The ideal soil temperature for corn at planting depth should be approximately 50 F to 55 F. The seed should germinate and emerge as quickly as possible after planting. This allows plants to get a healthy start and helps them overcome harmful insects and diseases that thrive in the soil.

Germination can be affected by cool conditions and soil moisture. Cool temperatures and an abundance of soil moisture can slow a plant’s metabolism and germination, making that plant more susceptible to disease pathogens. Germinating seeds in wet soils also have a reduced ability for gas exchange to facilitate the biological process of germination. Seed treatments like the addition of Trilex FL on all Poncho-treated seed from Great Lakes helps optimize germination in these challenging environments.

Disease protection

In a normal spring, the weather can often turn colder than ideal after planting is completed. Seed treatments can help protect the seedlings against diseases during prolonged spells when the soil temperature is not ideal for rapid growth and development. Seed treatments like Poncho® 250 and Trilex FL® can be a wise investment, helping growers protect their seed in the ground.

A low rate of commercially applied Poncho 250 is the best in the industry and Trilex FL has the greatest affect on pathogens in the soil. Seed treatments that are commercially applied work best because they are more uniformly applied to the seed.

Poncho 250 works by being absorbed into the seed and then systematically moving throughout the plant as it grows. Pests around the crop’s root system are also controlled by the seed treatment.

A good way to decide which seed treatment to use is to talk to other growers and learn as much as you can. Seed companies or your local retailer are also good information resources. The value in using a seed treatment is shown as an increase not only in plant populations, but the growth-stage uniformity of stands as well, which will lead to increased yields.

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