Des Moines, Iowa
February 17, 2009
When it comes to selecting seed
varieties for a particular field, selecting the best genetics
for particular environments can have a tremendous impact on
profitability. Growers can improve their productivity and
profitability by selecting hybrids or varieties that have the
right genetics and traits for every acre, according to experts
from Pioneer Hi-Bred, a
DuPont business.
It's important to know how the seed's genetics respond to the
local environment, the true value of seed traits and the results
of localized seed testing. Growers want to make sure they've
selected a seed product with both agronomic and technology
traits that fit each field.
Growers also should choose the best planting time, seed
treatments and foliar fungicides to get the most out of every
product on every acre.
"The most important thing for growers is to know the products,"
says Chris Doud, Pioneer agronomist covering northwest Iowa.
"Every hybrid and variety has strengths, but growers, along with
their seed sales professional, need to decide if the strengths
are right for their individual operations and if the weaknesses
can be properly managed by matching information on the product
profile sheets with their own management practices."
"Growers need to evaluate how the product has done in their
area," says Brent Wilson, Pioneer technical services manager.
"Pioneer focuses on localized testing over several years to help
growers select the right product for the right acre."
When choosing products with insect protection, evaluate the pest
pressures present in specific locations.
"Sometimes triple-stack products aren't the best choice for
growers," Doud says. "If a particular insect pressure isn't at a
level that could potentially lower yield for that area, it may
not be in the farmer's best interest to select that specific
trait. Growers should choose the proper traits to help protect
themselves from potential yield loss. The goal should be to
match genetics to the correct environment and manage risks by
including key traits to provide added insurance."
Pioneer sales professionals can help determine which product is
best for individual growers' operations. Localized information
and help from sales reps are two services Pioneer provides to
growers to assist them in making the best and most profitable
decisions.
After choosing the right product for the right acre by selecting
the best genetics and traits, protect the investment through
sound management practices.
"It is important to plant at the optimum planting rate,
especially in today's volatile market and agricultural economy,"
Doud says. "The ultimate goal of any farming operation is to
identify management practices that impose minimal cost while
generating positive yield results. Planting rate is one such
area that can have a tremendous impact on optimum yield."
Pioneer has done extensive studies on the optimum planting rates
for each hybrid on both the agronomic and economic levels. The
latter is an evaluation based on commodity prices. Growers can
get planting rate recommendations on each hybrid from their
sales professional.
Soybean seed treatments also help ensure investment protection.
"There has been a rapid adoption of seed treatment use in
soybeans in recent years for protection against yield-robbing
pests that can minimize the genetic potential of the products
growers plant each season," Doud says. "Understanding the threat
of such damaging pests in each environment helps growers select
the right seed treatment or whether to use one."
Foliar fungicide applications also can be beneficial for both
corn and soybeans. Much like seed treatments on soybeans,
fungicide applications are becoming more popular with growers.
These applications help protect against yield-robbing diseases
that can minimize the genetic potential of products.
"2008 was a challenging growing season," Wilson says. "The year
ended better than expected for yield in many areas."
Every year presents challenges growers must face. For example,
flooding in parts of the U.S. made the growing season difficult
for some growers. While growers can't control the weather, one
way to help mitigate risks faced every year is to select and
plant the right product for the right acre.
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading
source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers
and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des
Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics
in nearly 70 countries.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded
in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable
solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for
people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont
offers a wide range of innovative products and services for
markets including agriculture and food; building and
construction; communications; and transportation.
® Registered trademark of Pioneer Hi-Bred. |
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