Farmers are the original environmentalists. In keeping with their long tradition of protecting the land for future generations, California farmers are increasingly embracing the proper use of pesticide-treated seeds.
Pesticide-treated seeds contain a significantly small and measured crop protection product applied to the surface of the seed. The seeds and the young plants that grow from them are protected from insects and diseases when they are the most vulnerable.
This agricultural advancement places crop protection chemistry where it is needed the most. This valuable and innovative approach enables farmers to be more productive while using resources more efficiently and protecting the environment.
Pesticide-treated seeds can help reduce the amount of pesticide needed to protect crops. By applying pesticides directly to the seeds, growers can target pests more effectively, reducing the amount of pesticide released into the environment. Additionally, pesticide-treated seeds can help to prevent the spread of diseases and pests, which can help to reduce the overall impact of these problems on the environment.
Farmers use pesticide-treated seeds for multiple reasons, with protection against soil borne pests and disease being a primary need. Pesticide-treated seeds can protect against numerous pests including but not limited to, cutworms, wireworms, maggots, thrips, beetles, and fungal plant pathogens like pythium, fusarium, rhizoctonia, and penicillium.
By protecting the seed from the outset, pesticide-treated seeds can ensure that the plants that grow from them are healthy and able to withstand environmental stressors such as drought, high temperatures, or excessive rainfall. This results in stronger, healthier plants.
With breakthroughs like this, California agriculture is becoming more sustainable, benefiting our communities, farmworkers, and food supply.
A healthier plant from the start means fewer pesticide applications in the field. That in turn means a reduced likelihood of pesticide exposure to workers, as well as fewer passes in the field by tractors – thereby reducing farmer’s carbon footprint.
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