b'PARTNER CONTENTLessons Learned from FootballBy: Ryan Tichich, Bayer Crop Sciences Agronomic Systems Lead for North AmericaI m a huge fan of football at all levels. While it can be challeng- corn plants that lag behind others early in the season typically ing to find the time, I really enjoy spending a couple hourswont ever catch up. They may produce a small ear or no ear at all each weekend watching my favorite teams annihilate theirand those plants effectively become resource-consuming weeds. competition.Im also Bayer Crop Sciences Agronomic SystemsLuckily, farmers have seed treatments on their side. For the lead for corn in North America. In practical terms, that means Ipast 50ish years, seed treatments have been integrated into every help growers understand how the various parts that make up highbag of corn seed sold. Our goal is to help growers achieve uni-potential cornthe traits, genetics, treatments and agronomicform, consistent, vigorous corn stands thanks to an agronomi-recommendationswork together in a holistic system to delivercally complete, pre-applied seed treatment package of targeted yield. Growers and, yes, even my colleagues usually want to talkfungicides, insecticides, nematicides and biologicals. Weve been about the superstars in the system: new developments in genet- so successful for so long that corn seed treatment today doesnt ics and traits to further push yield. But heres what I know: even aget the attention or appreciation it deserves, but its impact cant championship-winning MVP quarterback wouldnt throw a singlebe overstated. touchdown without an effective offensive line providing protec- Seed treatments arent just good for plants. Theyre a whole lot tion. Are you giving your corn seeds offensive line the credit iteasier for farmers, reducing the need to handle and apply early deserves?and mid-season in-furrow and foliar crop protection products. Seed companies invest major time and dollars into develop- Theyre also a much better option for the environment, since the ing traits and genetics: potential which can only be unlockedearly timing and targeted application directly to the seed means when seed goes into the ground. Unfortunately, early seasonless product required, minimizing non-target exposure and growing conditions are often harsh. Cold temperatures, exces- building a more resilient stand from the start.sive moisture, various diseases and insects all challenge emerg- Were constantly striving to improve our seed treatments ac-ing seedlings long before their genetics or traits have a chance totive ingredients and formulations, integrating multiple modes of contribute.action and optimizing rates for enhanced control. Higher rates of While you cant make your yield in the early season, you canfungicide can provide greater protection of yield in tough envi-certainly lose it. Unlike more flexible crops like soybeans or cano- ronments, which is why we introduced our Enhanced Disease la that can at partially compensate for inconsistent emergence,Control (EDC) formulations a handful of years ago.Surveys show farmers prioritize strong, consistent emergence over every other seed attribute. Its time we all give seed treat-ment more credit for helping make that happen.FEBRUARY 2023 SEEDWORLD.COM /13'