The major seed companies continue to collaborate on new products, with the latest being a new seed treatment combination from Bayer CropScience and Monsanto. Bayer’s Poncho/Votivo seed-applied insecticide is now being combined with Monsanto’s Acceleron seed treatment for nematodes.

The companies report that Acceleron with Poncho/Votivo will offer protection against white grubs, seed corn maggot, soybean aphids, and overwintering bean leaf beetles, as well as protection against nematodes, including soybean cyst nematodes. It also will complement genetic resistance to nematodes in soybeans.

Under the agreement, Monsanto will have rights to commercialize Poncho/Votivo on seed from its soybean brand Asgrow, the Channel brand, and regional brands, as well as to sell the product through its seed licensees, which include numerous independent seed companies across the U.S. 

“We look forward to this opportunity to provide growers with advanced technology that combines Bayer CropScience innovation in seed treatment with Monsanto seed,” reports Keith Vodrazka, product manager at Bayer CropScience. “This combination will help ensure that soybean growers can have the best protection against yield-robbing nematodes and early-season insects.”

“Early-season diseases and insect pests can have a major impact on a soybean crop’s growth and development. That’s where Acceleron seed treatment products come into play,” says Randy Longest, Monsanto’s Acceleron product manager. “Now growers will have a choice that includes Poncho/Votivo, this innovative nematode control technology, combined with Acceleron seed treatment products.”