Bayer Fluency Agent – Facts for 2014 Planting Season

There continues to be some mixed messaging going on in terms of when and where Bayer Fluency Agent must be used this growing season.

Here are the facts as stated by PMRA. NOTE the exceptions below:

1) The mandatory use of Fluency Agent only applies when planting corn and soybeans.  All other crops are exempt.

2) Fluency Agent must be used if using a seed flow lubricant for planting corn and soybean seed treated with neonicotinoid insecticides (containing the active ingredients clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam). Talc and graphite are not permitted for use as a seed flow lubricant.

3) Exceptions to the above include:

• Planting machinery that does not currently require the use of a seed flow lubricant. That is, if you haven’t used lubricant before, you don’t need to use the Fluency Agent now.
• The use of graphite may continue as a mechanical lubricant in finger pickup or mechanical type planters only (i.e. non-pneumatic equipment).

For those who are still in doubt, here is PMRA’s website explaining this criteria and further information on Fluency Agent: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/pest/_fact-fiche/pollinator-protection-pollinisateurs/treated_seed-2014-semences_traitees-eng.php

Source: Fieldcropnews