Corn and soybean growers should be aware of regulatory changes for using neonicotinoid seed treatments in 2014.
In an effort to reduce bees' exposure to insecticide dust, Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency will no longer allow the use of talc and graphite seed flow lubricants in planters when using neonic-treated seed.
"If you are currently using a neonic seed treatment with a planter and you've used talc in the past. It will no longer be permitted," explains Dennis Lange, farm production advisor with Manitoba Agriculture. "Going forward you will have to use this new 'Fluency Agent' from Bayer CropScience if you're using a neonic seed treatment."
The fluency agent will be offered through seed companies.
"So you should contact your seed supplier ahead of time and let them know you want to order this product if you're using a planter in spring," notes Lange.
He also encourages growers to evaluate the benefits and risks of using neonicotinoid seed treatments.
"If you have wireworm or seedcorn maggot problems, that's when you want to use this product. There have been some benefits shown with early season vigour, but it's more from the insecticide portion and using it to help prevent insect problems, that's where it really should be looked at," says Lange.
In addition to the well-publicized risk to bee health, he notes overuse of neonicotinoids can increase selection pressure to develop resistance in insect populations. There are also studies showing it can lead to increased populations of secondary pests, such as spider mites.
Source: SteinbachOnline