Knowledge is a powerful tool and the more you know, the more wheat you can grow. Checking plants for signs of physical damage can provide information on what’s happening beneath the soil. In the final post of our 3 part series, we suggest careful examination this wheat harvest season.

Plant Physiology

What you see above ground while scouting can provide clues about what was happening below ground during the season. If you notice the crop has less developed foliage, delayed heading, or reduced stand, you should consider using a seed treatment next season that offers comprehensive disease and insect protection to protect roots.

Root health is critical for wheat plants to achieve their maximum yield potential because strong, healthy roots establish excellent plant stand and penetrate deeper into the soil to ensure maximum water and nutrient uptake in dry or wet conditions. Studies show a robust fungicide seed treatment can yield four bushels higher than a base fungicide seed treatment.

When considering seed treatments, make sure to check the active ingredient load when comparing products. Ask questions like, “Has the seed treatment been tested for compatibility?” and “Is there agronomic data or seed safety data on your rates of the active ingredients that you can show me?”

Syngenta recommends CruiserMaxx^® Vibrance^® Cereals, a seed treatment product for protection against damage from certain insects and diseases of cereals.

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