The Canola PODcast, Ep. 5: Using seed treatments on canola

Welcome to the fifth episode of the Canola PODcast, sponsored by InVigor hybrid canola from BASF. The series was designed to highlight useful tips and tricks growers can bring to their canola fields to help make every acre count.

On this episode of the PODcast, Shaun Haney is joined by Nikki Vercaigne, Brand Manager for Seed Treatments at BASF, and Anique Josuttes, Technical Marketing for Seed Treatments and Inoculants for BASF. The trio discuss the integral protection that seed treatments offer to the canola crop.

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Seed treatments are an integral part of the InVigor hybrid package, not just an add-on. The right seed treatment provides critical support and protection at the earliest stage of crop development.

Fungicides and insecticide seed treatments provide protection against key seed and soil borne pathogens, as well as insects, supporting uniform emergence and giving each seed the chance to contribute to the target plant population.

In Western Canada, environmental conditions change year-to-year, so canola crops are often seeded into less than ideal conditions putting a strain on canola during the critical seedlings stage.

Managing disease early in the season is also a challenge, says Josuttes. Early disease pressure isn’t any one issue — it’s best to approach it as a disease complex, including watching for rhizoctonia, fusarium, and pythium. Symptoms are relatively similar making it difficult to distinguish between each. Seed treatments that protect against a wide range of threats are key, and that’s what farmers get with InVigor canola.

Helix Vibrance is the base treatment for InVigor, the pair explains, and works well in lower pressure scenarios, but for those looking for more protection can now add BUTEO as a top-up option for flea beetle pressure. Plus, there is Lumiderm, which is a great choice in areas with cutworm pressure.

For 2023, BASF is offering the InVigor Commitment Program. Growers who choose BUTEO start as a seed treatment that then observe 25% or more flea beetle damage on their InVigor hybrid canola may be eligible for $6 per acre to support the cost of one application of a foliar insecticide product, including Decis or Pounce.

For those growing InVigor hybrid canola treated with Lumiderm as their top up seed treatment option and that observe similar feeding levels, they will also be eligible $6 per acre support on one application of Pounce to support their InVigor hybrid canola. If growers observe cutworm damage on Lumiderm-treated InVigor hybrid canola they may qualify for $8 per acre to support one application of Pounce.

It’s important to note that this additional support is not offered for seed treated with Helix Vibrance alone.

Watch the video above or download the podcast to hear more.

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Categories: BASF / InVigor / Podcasts / Sponsored