b'PARTNER CONTENTThe Unsung Hero of Seed Treatment:A Look into Corns Early ProtectionG rowing up on a cotton and soybean farm in the Mississippi Delta, Davie Wilson was uniquely positioned to witness the transformative impact of agricultural biotechnologies. "As a kid, I experienced farming before biotechnology became mainstream," Wilson recalls. "We didnt have RoundUp Ready, boll weevil eradication hadnt started, and BT cotton was still years away. When biotech finally arrived, it changed everything."For Wilson, those early breakthroughs not only increased yields but also brought a sense of relief to his family, allowing them to focus on growth rather than battling pests and weeds. "As a ten- or twelve-year-old, I was amazed at how it reduced our stress and increased the returns on our crops," he says.Today, as a seed growth technical manager for Bayer Crop Sci-ence, Wilson is still driven by that same sense of wonder. Hes had direct involvment in the development of every corn seed treat-ment Bayer has released. Despite the advances, he believes the industry has room to grow. "While the products are fantastic, we need to do a better job educating producers about some critical aspects of seed treatments," he notes.Wilson highlights three key points farmers must understand about modern corn seed treatments:1. All Corn Seed is Pre-Treated for Good Reason"Corn is extremely vulnerable in its early stages," Wilson explains.The goal, Wilson explains, is to offer a complete package that Cold, wet conditionscommon during plantingare breedingprotects the seeds genetic and trait investment. "Were not inter-grounds for disease pathogens that attack between germinationested in gimmicks. We want to provide the best active ingredients and the early V1/V2 stages. Unlike other crops such as soybeansthat work together to shield the seed from early threats."or canola, which can compensate for early setbacks, corn cannot. "Corns yield potential is determined very early, by the V6 stage.3. Seed Treatment is Part of a System, Not a Standalone SolutionSo, protecting the plant from the start is critical for achievingAlthough Bayer offers what Wilson describes as "the best seed high yields." treatment package available today," he is quick to point out that To underscore the importance of seed treatment, Wilsonsseed treatment alone doesnt increase yield potential. "Seed treat-team runs untreated checks alongside their corn trials. "Thements dont promote growth or add yield. Their sole function is to results are dramatic. Across an entire untreated check strip, onlyprotect whats already inside the seedthe genetic potential and a handful of plants will even emerge, and those that do are weakbiotech traits."and inconsistent," he says. "Walking through these plots withWilson likens the relationship to a football game. "If the producers is always eye-opening because you can instantly seegermplasm and biotech traits are the quarterback and running the value of seed treatment." back, then seed treatment is the offensive line," he says. "Its there to protect the stars and help them make the plays, but it doesnt 2. Seed Treatments Are Designed for Farmers, Not for Profit score the points."One common misconception Wilson encounters is the idea thatWilsons lifelong passion for agriculture has come full circle, companies add unnecessary ingredients to seed treatments tofrom marveling at early biotech on his familys farm to shap-drive up costs. "Thats simply not true," he says. Seed treatmentsing the future of seed treatments. Yet, even as he looks back on are formulated with the farmers best interest in mind, not to paddecades of progress, he remains focused on the road ahead. "The corporate profits. "Treatment is applied upstream and sold atindustry has made incredible strides, but our work isnt done," he seamless pricing, meaning any additive without direct biologicalsays. "We need to keep educating producers so they can maxi-benefit would be a cost the company would have to absorb." mize the value of these innovations."FEBRUARY 2025SEEDWORLD.COM /29'