SUPPORTED BY ENDORSED BY seasons. These trials confirm stand and yield improvements with Stamina in corn when compared to other standard seed treatments, says Justin Clark, BASF technical market- ing manager for seed treat- ments. “Seed and seedlings are better protected by Stamina from key diseases, such as Rhizoctonia,” he says. “This is particularly important as earlier planting and increased use of no-till production systems may lead to slower emergence of seedlings due to cool, wet soils. “During four years of greenhouse and growth chamber studies by BASF, the seeds treated with Stamina showed increased germina- tion and more rapid emer- gence compared to untreated checks under certain cold conditions.” Just as there’s increased disease pressure, there’s also increased insect pressure. Waiting in the Trenches With any reduced tillage system, cutworms, seed corn maggots and seed corn beetles can be more fre- quent, says George Thomas, a University of Missouri ento- mologist. He says armyworms cause damage when corn is 6 to 9 inches or more in height, and that European corn borer pressure may increase where “During four years of greenhouse and growth chamber studies by BASF, the seeds treated with Stamina showed increased germination and more rapid emergence compared to untreated checks under certain cold conditions.” — Justin Clark stalks remain on the soil sur- face for several consecutive seasons. “There is no one best con- trol measure for all situations for all soil insects,” Thomas explains. “Scouting, or antici- pating where insects might be a problem, is important. “The value of seed treat- ment insecticides increases as the number of tillage opera- tions decreases.” For Ireland, Phythium, Fusarium and Rhizoctonia, as well as white grub and seed corn maggot are of particular concern. The Order “Virtually anyone who buys hybrid corn doesn’t get a choice on the fungicide pack- age; it’s automatically included at a set rate,” Ireland explains. “These days, an insecticide is generally included, and depending on the pressures, growers and agronomists can ask to increase the rates if planting into no-till soils or cover crops.” However, he says it’s a slightly different story for those planting soybeans as farmers have more choices regarding their seed treat- ment package. For farmers planting soy- beans into corn or cover crop residue, Ireland recommends picking the best fungicide and insecticide package possible to protect that investment. Additional Advice Another strategy to help over- come the challenges associ- ated with no-till and cover crops is making sure farmers get proper seed-to-soil con- tact and at the proper depth. “This makes a big differ- ence when it comes to stand establishment,” says Daryl Buchholz, a University of Missouri agronomist. However, he says that can be a challenge, too, regard- less of the type of press wheel being used. Buchholz advises farmers to add weight (about 400 pounds) or spring down- pressure. He also says driving slower will help get the soil back in contact with the seed. Farmers who have been long-time students of man- aging no-till and cover crop systems are among the first to adopt new seed treatment technology, says one “No-tillers should be and are among the first to adopt new seed treatment technol- ogy,” according to No-Till Magazine. “They realize they’re planting into a chal- lenging environment and with the value of seed, it’s not eco- nomically viable to compen- sate for difficult conditions by overseeding.” SW LEARNMORE To learn more about the relationship between no-till, cover crops and seed treatments, mark your calendar for October 19 and plan to join us for a Strategy webinar at 1 p.m. Eastern/12 p.m. Central. There is no cost to participate. Register today at SeedWorld.com/webinar. 26 / SEEDWORLD.COM OCTOBER 2017