Bayer CropScience’s proceed seed treatment receives registration in cereals

New Proceed seed treatment has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - providing growers with new generation technology for the protection of cereal seed and seedlings for a strong, green, more successful crop.

Available for the 2010 growing season, Proceed offers broad-spectrum control of seed-borne scab, smut, bunt and other tough diseases. Proceed prevents costly losses from diseases that threaten seeds and seedlings from the moment the seed hits the ground.

"Seed treatments are still a developing practice in cereals, and we understand that growers need to see the value for this added investment," said Marc Andrieux, Bayer CropScience product manager for seed treatments. "The protection of Proceed results in a difference that growers can see in an emergence of healthier, greener crops, and that early vigor will contribute to higher yields at harvest and a better return on investment."

Proceed is registered for control of 13 different cereal diseases including smut, bunt, seed-borne Fusarium scab and early season Rhizoctonia root rot, Fusarium root rot and Septoria disease complex. Compared to untreated seed, Proceed-protected cereals averaged 10 to 12 percent higher emergence in Bayer CropScience field trials in North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana.

"Proceeds control of seedborne diseases like scab improves germination rates and vigor to increase early-season growth," says Andrieux. "Proceed is the first step in raising a successful crop at harvest. To help ensure the plant stays strong and healthy after the crucial early growth stages, wheat growers need to continue controlling diseases and pests that affect the crops yield and quality with proven, effective inputs."

The currently approved formulation of Proceed is available for on-farm application. Two other formulations are expected to receive EPA approval before the start of the 2010 planting season. One will provide the flexibility of choosing a commercial application. The third will offer an extra insecticide option for added control of wireworm damage.