b'PARTNER CONTENTHow to Level the Playing Field Against NematodesF or corn growers, unseen threats can be the most damaging,ment. Growers should maintain adequate fertility, practice effec-especially when it comes to nematodestiny soil-dwellingtive weed control, and rotate crops as needed to reduce nematode pests that can devastate a crops potential before it even getspopulations in the soil. They now also have the firepower of a a chance to thrive. When nematodes burrow into the roots of youngpowerful new weapon against nematodes, Bayers Acceleron corn plants, the damage often goes unnoticed until its too late.N-314 Seed Treatment .Launched in 2024, Acceleron N-314 is the first-ever seed Why Nematodes Are a Growing Concern treatment to combine two modes of actionboth chemistry and While there are several threats to early crop vigor, nematodes arebiological agentsinto a single product, offering comprehensive by far one of the most costly to U.S. corn production. Betweenprotection from early planting through harvest.2012 and 2022, nematodes were responsible for the loss of an es- Acceleron N-314 brings together the nematicide Fluopyram timated 71 million bushels of corn each yearmore than doublewith Bacillus firmus, a biological product that acts as a living bar-the damage caused by root rots and about one-third more thanrier around the plants roots. Fluopyram is lethal to nematodes at seedling blights. all stages of their lifecycle, while Bacillus firmus enhances root What makes nematodes particularly problematic is their abil- health and fortifies the plant against attacks. This combination ity to go unnoticed. Symptoms of nematode damage are oftencreates a broad-spectrum shield that defends against nematodes mistaken for other issues like herbicide injury, fertilizer problems,throughout the growing season.or drought stress. Even more concerning, nematode-induced yieldThe treatment is now available as part of Bayers Acceleron loss can occur without any visible above-ground symptoms.Elite package on select corn products, including seeds with VT-4PRO and SmartStax PRO with RNAi Technology.Identifying and Managing Nematode DamageGrowers should start by scouting for early season symptoms.The Future of Corn Seed ProtectionAbove-ground signs of nematode damage include wilting, yel- With the introduction of Acceleron N-314, Bayer continues to lead lowing, and uneven growth, while late-season symptoms canthe charge in protecting corn crops from early-season threats. manifest as poor ear development, weak plant structures, andThe company plans to expand the availability of this new seed inconsistent tasseling. Below the surface, nematode feeding cantreatment across its broader corn portfolio, giving more grow-cause swelling at the root tips, necrotic lesions, and a lack of fineers access to the latest advancements in nematode control. Its root hairs. Severe infestations often lead to stubby root syn- a major leap forward in nematode protection which offers both drome, where root growth is stunted. exceptional defense as well as support of the overall health and The best way to combat nematodes is via integrated manage- resilience of corn plants. JANUARY 2025SEEDWORLD.COM /21'