Development and formulation of seed treatment combinations
K. S. ARTHUR (1). (1) Valent U.S.A. Corporation, Plano, TX, U.S.A.
Seed treatment products developed for today’s markets are designed to cover the broadest spectrum of protection utilizing fungicides, insecticides, and nematicides. Simultaneous use of growth enhancement materials, fertilizers, herbicide safeners, and inoculant or biological control agents has also become increasingly important. The complexity of development revolves around combining many active ingredients to cover the broadest spectrum of pests. Therefore, formulation technology is driven by the need for securing acceptable physical and stability characteristics via selection of appropriate carriers to maintain shelf life over time. Assessment of formulation compatibility in mixtures with additional seed-applied products is conducted to assure acceptable use patterns. In concert with formulation development, seed safety of candidate formulations is monitored across focus crop seeds (to be labeled) over time in normal seed storage conditions. User-friendliness of the formulation in the seed plant and field planters can be pre-determined by assessing formulation dry-down on seed, conducting dust-off of formulation from the seed, and running treated seed through field planting equipment. All of these aspects must be addressed so that the major contribution that the seed treatment product provides, stand enhancement and yield benefits, is recognized by the end-user, the grower.
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