Bayer CropScience released details of new seed treatment technology last week that, based on company data, reduces the amount of insecticide-laden dust when planting corn and soybeans.
Bayer said lab and field trials for a new seed lubricant indicate it is possible to dramatically reduce the amount of dust emitted from corn and soybean planters.
“We were impressed by the success of this new fluency agent when we examined the field trial results,” said Paul Thiel, Bayer CropScience’s vice-president of innovation and public affairs.
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“Although potential exposure from corn planting is relatively rare, co-operation among applicators, growers and beekeepers is a critical part of effective best management practices for seed treatment applications and important for pollinator health.”
Bayer’s new seed lubricant, or fluency agent, is made from a polyethylene wax. The new product would replace talc and graphite products that reduce friction and permit seeds to flow through planting equipment.
Lab tests indicate the new lubricant reduced dust and emissions by 90 percent compared to talc and 60 percent compared to graphite.
Bayer collaborated with growers and planter manufacturers this spring to conduct field trials on 40,000 acres in North America to test out the new product.
