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Seed treatments are the foundational defense for a successful crop stand, providing critical early-season protection against diseases and pests while boosting early plant vigor.
Treatment is now standard practice across the U.S.; in fact, the vast majority of corn and soybean seed arrives pre-treated from the provider. But with fungicide, insecticide, nematicide, and biological packages growing ever more complex, the core question remains: How do you cut through the marketing to select the precise formula your fields require?
Like with most things we add into our cropping plan, it all boils down to an informed risk assessment consideration. What specific threats are you mitigating? Could you justify a lower-tier treatment, or do your field conditions demand the highest level of protection available?
Here are a few essential questions to ask yourself about seed treatments before you buy your seed, or decide on a program:
Moving beyond general "insects and diseases" is critical to selecting an effective treatment. Once a soil problem or insect is established, you should treat it as a perennial threat.
However, treatments are specialized. A fungicide that works well against certain wet-soil diseases that cause seedling rot (like the ones that thrive in cool, damp conditions) may not be effective against other root rots or dry-weather molds.
Likewise, if your fields have a history of specific microscopic worms (nematodes) that damage the roots, or persistent diseases that cause early plant wilting or root death, you need to ensure your package includes the specific nematicides or high-rate fungicides designed to protect the root system. Proper identification of the exact pest or disease you're fighting is the foundation of a good defense.
Reduced-tillage programs and cover crops are excellent for soil health, but they can also keep the ground cooler, wetter, and heavier with residue longer into the spring. These conditions slow emergence, increasing the window of opportunity for early-season diseases and pests to attack the vulnerable seed and seedling.
If you plant early, or know you have fields that tend to crust or hold water, a robust, broad-spectrum seed treatment package can give your seed the essential protection it needs while it fights for a strong stand.
Remember, most treatments only offer protection for about 3-4 weeks after planting.
Many common packages contain multiple active ingredients for broad-spectrum protection. Analyze your field history and talk to your trusted seed or crop protection advisor. If your primary goal is insect control in a very specific environment, you may be able to opt for a basic fungicide plus a high-rate insecticide.
Conversely, if you are battling multiple fungal issues and SCN, you must ensure your treatment is stacked with the necessary ingredients and, sometimes, higher application rates (a "high-rate" program) to counter the risk.
Over-treating can be an unnecessary cost, while under-treating can cost you far more in yield.
A tight rotation, such as corn-after-corn or bean-after-bean, drastically concentrates the pressure from diseases and insects that favor that specific crop. Short rotations essentially create an ideal environment for pests and pathogens to thrive and multiply, as their food source is constantly available.
If your rotation is tight, you must consider a more comprehensive, multi-mode-of-action seed treatment to compensate for the higher, recurring risk.
A healthy, high-yielding stand starts with consistent emergence. If you are planting seed with historically lower-than-ideal germination scores, or if you simply prioritize maximum early vigor to take advantage of a longer growing season, the treatment package can help.
Modern treatments often include micronutrients or biologicals that aid the enzymatic processes for faster, more aggressive early growth. Treatments utilize polymer coatings that improve seed flow through the planter, reducing friction and dust-off while ensuring precise seed spacing and depth.
Beyond the performance in the field, seed treatment selection now includes environmental responsibility. Always ask about the polymer coating being used. Modern, high-quality treatments use coatings that minimize "dust-off" during handling, transportation, and planting.
Growers must ensure they follow all best management practices for handling, storing, and disposing of treated seed to protect non-target organisms like pollinators, making good stewardship a non-negotiable part of the treatment decision.
By treating seed treatment selection as a site-specific risk management exercise — moving beyond the default treatment and focusing on your fields' unique history and immediate planting environment —you ensure every seed has the best possible start.
Select the active ingredients and biologicals that matter most to your specific threats, making seed treatments an efficient, high-impact component of your overall cropping plan.
Making an informed decision on seed treatments is easier when you have access to a wide range of options and transparent pricing. You can apply these calculated risk assessments today by reviewing the complete lineup of seed treatment products available from FBN. Other seed options are also available for direct-to-farm delivery.
Shop for the specific treatments you need — including both proprietary and generic options — and get them delivered right to your farm, ensuring you secure the precise defense package your operation requires without overpaying.
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