As was evident from the recent crop tour hosted by Syngenta Crop Protection in Alexandria, La., seed treatments continue to prove their worth by providing undeniable protection against early-season nematodes, insects and diseases. And more and more growers and retailers are starting to notice. Protecting seed from day one, seed treatments safeguard the investment and value of traits and genetics to help produce a stronger, more vigorous plant. With higher yields and healthier plants, it’s no wonder many growers are beginning to use seed treatments on all of their crops.

Ned Sampolesi of Lake Village, Ark., uses Syngenta seed treatments on his cotton, soybeans and rice. “For me, it’s simple: when you plant treated seed, you plant protected seed. It’s never a question.”

Sampolesi has used Avicta® Complete Cotton nematicide/insecticide/fungicide seed treatment combination since its launch in 2006. “With Avicta Complete Cotton, I see a wide range of control against nematodes as well as early-season insects and diseases. It’s convenient, and my cotton emerges quicker than it did when I used other products.”

Avicta Complete Cotton is a seed treatment combination that delivers the most complete protection against early-season insects and diseases. It also contains a true nematicide — working instantly to prevent nematode damage and promote stronger stands.

And what about soybeans? CruiserMaxx® Beans insecticide/fungicide seed treatment combination of separately registered products offers similar early-season protection to increase vigor and speed to canopy. Cruiser®, the insecticide component of CruiserMaxx Beans, offers excellent activity against soil-dwelling and foliar-feeding insects for a healthier crop from start to finish.

“When planting seed treated with CruiserMaxx Beans, I see stronger plant stands and higher yields,” Sampolesi said. “My soybeans are more developed and overall healthier than they were before I used a seed treatment.”

Most recently, Sampolesi remained true to form and planted CruiserMaxx Rice treated seed this season. Introduced in the fall of 2009, CruiserMaxx Rice, a combination of Cruiser and three market-leading fungicides, provides superior protection against rice water weevil and grape colaspis in addition to increased activity against harmful diseases such as seed-borne rice blast.

“As soon as CruiserMaxx Rice was available, I knew I was going to plant with it,” Sampolesi said. “After the success I’d seen on my cotton and soybeans, I had a good feeling that a seed treatment for rice would also enhance my results and increase my yield.”

Season after season, the importance and value of seed treatments are proven through healthier plants, higher yields and overall better performance. As research and development continues, seed treatment technology continues to advance.

“We’re dedicated to creating the most comprehensive seed treatment portfolio on the market,” said Dr. David Long, Syngenta Seedcare technical manager. “It’s a consistent theme across all crop areas — the better protection you have at planting, the better results you’ll have at harvest.”

©2010 Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., 410 Swing Road, Greensboro, NC 27409. Important: Always read and follow label instructions before buying or using Syngenta products. The instructions contain important conditions of sale, including limitations of warranty and remedy. Avicta Duo Cotton is a Restricted Use Pesticide.

Cruiser is not currently registered for sale or use on rice in all states. Please check with your state or local extension service before buying or using this product.

CruiserMaxx Rice is a combination of separately registered products containing Cruiser seed treatment insecticide and Apron XL, Dynasty and Maxim 4FS seed treatment fungicides.

Avicta Complete Cotton is a combination of separately registered products containing Avicta Duo Cotton nematicide/insecticide and Dynasty CST fungicide.

CruiserMaxx Beans is one or more separately registered products containing: CruiserMaxx premix; CruiserMaxx and Apron XL; Cruiser, Maxim and Apron XL; or Cruiser and an ApronMaxx brand fungicide, such as ApronMaxx RTA + Moly.

Apron XL®, ApronMaxx®, Avicta®, Beyond Seed Protection™, Cruiser®, CruiserMaxx®, Dynasty®, Maxim®, RTA®, Seedcare™ and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group