Seed treatment upgrades diversify insect protection

Part of the canola variety decision is the seed treatment decision. Seed treatments are an important part of canola stand establishment, and many in-season insecticide applications are avoided from the use of seed treatments.

With each canola seed decision, growers face this question: Would a seed treatment upgrade to improve management of flea beetles and cutworms provide a return on investment? A review of flea beetle and cutworm scouting notes from the past few years will help with this decision.

Base treatments:

Prosper, Helix Xtra and Helix Vibrance include Group-4 insecticides for flea beetles and a combination of fungicides for seedling diseases. These are usually locked in with the seed variety choice.

Add-ons available with some or all base treatments:

Fortenza. (cyantraniliprole, Group 28 insecticide). Provides early-season protection from cutworms
Lumiderm. (cyantraniliprole, Group 28 insecticide). Diversified control of flea beetles (including striped) and early-season protection from cutworms.
Visivio. (includes sulfoxaflor, Group 4C insecticide). Diversified control of flea beetles (including striped). Other actives also improve protection from seed-borne blackleg, seed-borne alternaria and seeding disease complex.
Jumpstart. (Penicillium bilaii, biological). Improves phosphorus availability in the soil.

As with other pest management decisions, farmers can see long-term insect management benefit from rotating the active ingredient families used in seed treatments.

Along with seed treatments, an adequate plant population provides a good buffer for protection again pests and environmental conditions. Use the tools at canolacalculator.ca to work through targets for 2018.

Further reading:

Canola Performance Trials to help with variety decisions