With row crop planting underway or on the horizon across the U.S., farmers have invested large amounts of money in treated seed in the pursuit of excellent quality, high-yielding crops with hopefully profitability to boot.
American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) President Andrew LaVigne reminds producers that seed treatment technology is a powerful agronomic tool which opens the door to a “strong health start” for plants.
LaVigne says, “It’s important to always follow proper handling procedures to ensure seed treatment solutions result in success for everyone involved, and minimize the risk of exposure to non-targeted organisms.”
The national seed leader encourages producers to follow five basic steps of stewardship for treated seed.
Step 1: Follow the directions on treated seed container labels for storage, handling, planting, and disposal practices;
Step 2: Eliminate flowering plants and weeds in and around fields before planting.
Step 3: Use advanced seed flow lubricants to minimize dust.
Step 4: Prior to planting, note the presence of honey bees and hives near the field, and reach out to the beekeeper when possible; and
Step 5: Thoroughly clean and remove all treated seed left in containers and the equipment used for grain harvest. And by all means, keep all treated seed out of commodity grain channels.
Check out the recently redesigned Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship, a partnership between ASTA, the National Cotton Council, National Corn Growers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, CropLife America, and the American Soybean Association.
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