Newest in apps, seed traits, herbicides, and field monitoring equipment

The annual gathering of corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum producer groups is a popular place for companies to announce new seed and crop protection products. Here are a few from the recent Commodity Classic show held in Orlando, Florida.

More sensors for John Deere Field Connect

John Deere is expanding the capabilities of its Field Connect soil moisture monitoring system. Several new sensors are being added including a weather station, rain gauge, temperature sensor, pyranometer and leaf wetness sensor. The sensors will provide data on temperature, wind speed, wind direction, humidity, solar radiation, leaf wetness and rainfall in addition to soil moisture.

Pioneer Field360 apps

Pioneer Field360 service was introduced by DuPont Pioneer to help growers easily control field-by-field data. The Field360 Notes app allows a grower to record notes during field scouting, for example, and then share the information with others. The Plantability app allows a grower to scan a seed bag barcode with a cellphone, which then automatically loads planter settings for seed size. Both apps are available for iPads, iPhones and Android devices..

Agrisure Duracade approved

Syngenta’s new corn rootworm trait called Agrisure Duracade has been approved by USDA. The Duracade trait expresses a unique protein (eCry3.1Ab) and has a different mode of action compared to Syngenta’s existing Agrisure corn rootworm trait. Duracade delivers protection against Western, Northern and Mexican corn rootworms. Corn hybrids containing the trait are expected to be available for the 2014 season.

DuPont PrecisionPac system

DuPont introduced its PrecisionPac herbicide dispensing system to growers at Commodity Classic. Holding six different herbicides, the machine dispenses customized multiple-herbicide solutions. A customized herbicide blend is programmed into the machine and the products are dispensed into a grower bag in the correct order and correct amounts; then blended. About 70 PrecisionPac machines are currently in DuPont retailer locations and more will be placed this year.

Balance GT soybean trait

Bayer CropScience and MS Technologies are developing a new soybean trait called Balance GT. It features tolerance to glyphosate and isoxaflutole. Bayer CropScience anticipates producing the herbicide Balance Bean for use on Balance GT soybeans. It is expected to provide similar weed control to Balance Flexx.
The Balance GT trait should be available to seed companies in 2014 and available for commercial use in the U.S. in 2015, pending regulatory approvals.

Valent Fierce herbicide

Fierce herbicide, the newest residual herbicide from Valent, has received EPA registration in soybeans. Approved for corn last year, Fierce will provide soybean growers long-lasting, broad-spectrum control of broadleaves and grasses, including species that are resistant to glyphosate and other chemistries.