A good seed treatment today, in addition to preventing pathogens and pests, can bring nutritional, physiological and physical gains to the maize crop due to the characteristics of the products made available to the TS (pesticides, rooting agents, micronutrients, inoculants and optimizers - polymers and drying powders).
Agronomist Emanuel Soto, Laborsan Agro's research coordinator, points out that technologies such as LABORSAN AGRO® Film-Coating provide protection for treated corn seeds, reducing TS losses, boosting the benefits of the active ingredients and additives used, as well as improving the plantability and appearance of treated seeds.
"The abrasion resistance that our high-tech polymers and post-drying agents give to treated corn seeds contributes to less contamination of the professionals who handle the seeds, from treatment to sowing. The strong adhesion of our polymers, with the gradual release of the pesticides used, reduces the risk of groundwater contamination," adds Soto.
Treated seeds - Seeds treated via TSI (large-scale treatment process, carried out in automated equipment in the corn seed producers' industries) bring gains to producers due to Quality, Practicality and Safety compared to treatment on farms and in simpler equipment (on-farm format).
There is a large supply of TSI-treated seeds in the corn crop and they account for the majority of corn seed treatments in Brazil. However, if TSI-treated seed treatment syrups are limited to the needs of producers, the option can be taken to carry out TS on the farm.
Here are some tips for better corn seed treatment:
- Physiological and genetic quality of the seeds used: certified seeds with high germination and vigor; suitable for the specific characteristics of the region, whether it's the harvest or the off-season, or for grain or silage;
- Pay attention to the correct recommendation for the pesticides, rooting agents, micronutrients and inoculants that make up the TS mixture.
- Opt for work carried out through technical assistance by professionals who know the real need and are able to make an agronomic recommendation with the most efficient products possible and recommended for the crop, in the face of challenges related to pathogens, pests, nutrition, physiology, etc.
- Pay attention to the compatibility of the products that make up the TS mixture.
- It is essential to use polymers recommended for corn TS and at an adequate dose, bringing, among other benefits, adhesion, protection and better coating to the treated seeds. If possible, also work with high-performance drying powders that can enhance the abrasion resistance of the treatment film, as well as giving fluidity to the process and improving plantability.
- Use calibrated and suitable equipment for the most effective application (dosage, better coverage, less damage to seeds);
- Ensure human and environmental safety by wearing suitable PPE and being in the most appropriate place possible, avoiding contamination and, finally, disposing of the waste from the operation and any leftover treated seeds correctly.
