Safequard Your Seed

Seed treatments protect seedlings from early-season threats.

- By Chelsea Dinterman Agronomy & Livestock

As farmers look to push planting dates and maximize yields, seed treatments have exploded in popularity. In fact, 50% of soybeans planted in Iowa are treated, a steep increase compared with the 3% treated in the early 2000s, according to an Iowa State University study.

These additions to basic seed packages can bolster plant defenses against early-season threats and boost performance throughout the growing season.

“We know people invest a lot of time and money into their seeds,” said Dale Ireland, technical product lead for Syngenta. “Seed treatments protect the rooting potential and yield potential of that crop.”

However, uncertain markets mean careful consideration should be taken to make the most of additional input costs.

Picking the Right Seed Treatment

Much like seed selection, picking the right seed treatment for your acres provides the greatest return on investment. Consider field history, management systems, and seed traits when making a final decision.

“Not all seed treatments are created the same,” Ireland said. “There’s as much variation in the active ingredients in seed treatments as there are active ingredients in herbicides.”

Fungicidal seed treatments have several application methods and classifications to be aware of, including:

In-Furrow Application: Made at planting, this treats the soil directly. It may require a higher rate of active ingredient, according to South Dakota State University Extension.

On-Seed Treatment: Applied directly to the seed, this targets pathogens as they come into contact with the seed during the first stages of germination.

Protectant Seed Treatments: Effective on the seed surface, these provide control over seed-surface-borne pathogens and most soil-borne pathogens.