Are seed treatments effective against the same insects as below ground traits?

Occasionally, there is confusion between the insects that are controlled with various Bayer trait packages and the insects that are controlled by the insecticide applied to the seed as a component of Acceleron® Seed Applied Solutions. Below-ground trait packages are only effective against corn rootworm larvae (northern, western, and Mexican) while above-ground trait packages are effective against several different species of caterpillars. Insecticides used with seed treatments provide control against several soil-dwelling insect pests as well as some above-ground pests early in the season.

What insecticide is available on the corn seed products from Bayer?

The seed treatment applied to the corn seed is clothianidin (Poncho® insecticide) and, depending on which level of Acceleron® Seed Applied Solutions product is used, clothianidin is either applied alone (BASIC and ELITE offerings) or in combination with VOTiVO® insecticide (BASIC plus or ELITE plus). Clothianidin is available at 3 different rates of application, 250 (0.25 mg active ingredient/kernel), 500 (0.50 mg active ingredient /kernel), or 1250 (1.25 mg active ingredient /kernel) depending on the corn product. Products with SmartStax® technology come with either the BASIC plus or ELITE plus offering, which has a 500 rate of application. Most non-SmartStax products come with the BASIC or ELITE offering at the 250 rate of application. The 1250 rate is available on certain products. Please consult with your Bayer seed representative to determine what Acceleron® Seed Applied Solutions product is available for the corn seed product you wish to buy.