Seed treatment FAQ's

How does it work?

Agricote treatments contain enough insecticide and/or fungicide to last approximately 6 weeks post sowing, the time that young plants are most vulnerable to insect attack and disease. The active ingredients are systemic. As well as protecting the seed itself, they ‘grow’ through the seedling as it emerges. Grass seedlings have little protection from their endophyte until approximately 6 weeks after sowing. So, plants rely on seed treatment for protection during that time.

Where does it fit in your system?

Seed treatment is proven technology, but is not a silver bullet. It gives good control of low to moderate insect pressure. Where insect numbers are likely to be high, a wider control programme is needed. 

Grass-to-grass renewal 

In grass-to-grass (or cereal to grass) pasture renewal via spray-drilling, Argentine stem weevil (ASW) can be present in very high numbers. Generally, we advise adding an insecticide when spraying out the paddock to reduce the ASW population. Then use Agricote Grass to protect establishing seedlings from surviving and newly hatching ASW. 

Brassica crops

Huge numbers of insect pests like springtails can be present in, many thousands per square metre. Seed treatment will kill springtails nipping seedlings, but by the time many springtails have each nipped a seedling, the crop will be seriously damaged. Monitor newly sown brassica crops daily for the first 14 days, and use an appropriate insecticide if pest pressure is high. 

Slugs in direct-drilling 

Seed treatments provide no protection for slugs, which can be a major problem in new pastures, particularly where they are direct-drilled. Monitor paddock for slugs, and bait as necessary.

What about H&S?

Safe handling is a must. We sew handling and sowing instructions on every bag of Agricote treated seed. Also "The guide to seed treatment stewardship" is available at www.nzgsta.co.nz