Seeding is almost upon us and if you’re treating any of your cereal seed on-farm – with seed treatment for example – here are a few tips to ensure accurate application rate and good coverage.

Confirm and calibrate.

Check the product label to make sure you’re using the correct application rate. In the case of Raxil PRO, the recommended rate is 325 mL/100 kg of seed. Make sure your treating equipment is calibrated properly both for seed and seed treatment flow. Calibrating for weight vs. volume results in a better treatment operation.

Mix your treatment thoroughly.

To get your seed treatment (tote packaging) into solution evenly and thoroughly, use a standard drill and run it at half speed for two minutes. Or you can hook up your recirculating pump and run that for two minutes.

Adding an insecticide?

The large 175.5 L Raxil PRO totes have room to add an insecticide, like Stress Shield^® all in the same container. To mix it in, use a recirculating pump and run for eight minutes.

Temperature matters.

The temperature of the seed itself is one of the most important factors. If it can be warmed up prior to treating it will help the seed treatment adhere to the seed and ensure good coverage. When seed is cold seed treatments may not adhere properly, and what does stick can flake off. Ideally, the seed treatments themselves should also be warm, as when they’re too cool they tend to be thicker and don’t mix as well or stick to the seed as easily. Keeping seed treatments in a warm building prior to treating will help ensure the treatment gets applied successfully despite cooler weather outside.

Monitor coverage.

As you treat, check often to ensure you’re getting even coverage across all seeds and on each seed itself. This is particularly important for naturally dusty crops like rye, triticale and barley. If coverage is not even, try slowing the treatment equipment down so secondary mixing has more time. Also, watch for dust buildup on equipment and keep filters clear.

Storing treated seed.

Store treated seed in a cool, dry place. You can use it again the following season if it’s been stored well. If you’re using stored seed, it's always a good idea to have it tested prior to seeding in order to check a multitude of quality indicators like germination, vigour, 1,000 kernal weight and more.

multitude of quality indicators like germination, vigour, 1,000 kernal weight and more. And remember, if you need technical support, seed testing, application tips or advice, just call 1-888-283-6847 to find the Bayer SeedGrowth^® representative nearest you.