To Seed Treat Or Not To Seed Treat - What To Think About When Picking A Seed Treatment
As spring gets closer and crop plans are getting finalized, we are starting to look into seed preparation. The question of “should we treat the seed this year?” arises and we must look at the benefits and logistics of that. High yields and high ROI are the goal so how is the best way to get those results. Simply put, the best way to maximize your return on investment is to get the most yield out of every acre. One of the first steps to do this is to invest in a seed treatment that is formulated for success.
The Benefits of Seed Treatments
The benefits of seed treatments are well known: they protect from insects and disease, improves germinations, and can lead to higher yields. The early-season protection that seed treatments provide allows the plant to establish a robust root system and quick development above-ground. This gives the plant a head start and the ability to outcompete against the insects, weeds, and diseases at the start of the season. Seed treatment can be seen as an insurance policy, safeguarding your crop against the less-than-ideal growing conditions of our springs.
Even if the soil does seem warm and dry enough for the seed to germinate, there may still be unseen threats from diseases or insects that thrive under specific conditions. Seed treatments not only shield your seeds from these threats but also provide resilience in varying environmental conditions.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Seed Treatment
When deciding which seed treatment to go with there are a few things to look at:
- Consistency of formulation- high-quality formulations remain more stable over time and are easier to re-suspend before application, ensuring consistent coverage and protection.
- Flowability- lack of flow can lead to build-up and non-uniform coating. This could mean inconsistent protection and higher likelihood of dust-off issues.
- Viscosity- products with lower viscosity are easier to agitate and apply. The higher the viscosity the more difficult it is to pump the product and can also affect the compatibility with other tank mix partners.
- Freeze/thaw cycle risks- can cause treatments to fall out of suspension as the temperature fluctuates.
Making the Decision to Treat
There are several companies that see the importance of seed treatments and are continuously evolving their products. As retailers and farmers, we should be looking for seed treatments that provide optimal product stability, uniform seed coverage and a long shelf life. We need to consider the specific risks the crops face during the early growing season and whether the protection offered by seed treatment is a good fit for your goals.
Overall, when looking into which seed treatment to apply to your seed, you should be looking to get the amount of active ingredient you paid for, the application rate you intended, and the performance you expect.
~Annabelle Calcott