Every Seed Matters: Preventing Planter Clogging

A poorly formulated generic blend seed treatment can cause seeds to clog the planter and inhibit seed singulation.
Source: Clay Koenig, Syngenta Seedcare specialist, 2018
Maximizing your yield begins at planting, when every seed matters. As seed prices rise, your strategy during planting becomes even more critical. One piece in the planting puzzle to consider is seed singulation, the process that feeds each single seed into the planter to ensure precision when planting. When the singulation process isn’t able to perform effectively, it causes clogs, which lead to delays, which means more time spent in the field and more money lost from your pocket.
Seed World magazine recently held a Strategy Webinar featuring Sandy Baker, Seedcare application lead at Syngenta, who discussed the ins and outs of seed singulation.
Some of the best practices and recommendations to keep in mind include the following:
- Keep treated seed in a dry area away from direct exposure to weather changes.
- Refer to your planter equipment manufacturer manual to ensure you’re selecting the appropriate disc type, disc size, planting speed and pressure.
- Use a seed lubricant as needed to enhance seed flow through the planter.
- Use high-quality and tested seed treatments for a smooth planting process and to reduce product buildup in the planter.
Selecting the right seed treatment is critical for improving seed singulation at planting. Seed treatment formulations vary in stability and uniformity; generic seed treatments, specifically, are often poorly formulated, which leads to product separation. This can cause a non-uniform coating on the seed, which can result in planter clogging issues that inhibit seed singulation.
seed treatment, a combination of separately registered products, contains unique polymers that bind the active ingredients to the seed. Its stable formulation reduces dust-off and improves seed flow, which ultimately helps maximize yield potential at the end of the season.
Talk to your local Syngenta sales representative or visit the to learn more about protecting your seed investment.
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