Bayer CropScience has conducted successful field trials of its new seed treatment application technology designed to help reduce potential dust exposure to honey bees during planting process and provide improved handling efficiencies for growers.
The new Bayer fluency agent was developed as an alternative to standard talc and graphite lubricants commonly used in seed treatments. In the trials, the new agent made of a polyethylene wax substrate was shown to significantly decrease dust and emissions during laboratory testing. It showed a 90 percent reduction in total dust versus talc and a 60 percent reduction in total dust versus graphite.
Growers and beekeepers participating in the large-scale field trials commented that the new fluency agent performed equal to or better than comparable talc or graphite lubricants, decreased dust levels during application and when checking boxes, and showed equivalent results at significantly lower use rates than talc when comparing planting uniformity.
Development of the new fluency agent is part of Bayer’s commitment to crop protection, environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices – including protection of beneficial insects such as honey bees. For more information and background on this and other sustainability initiatives, visit Bayer online.
Source – Bayer CropScience