Walnut Creek, California-based Valent U.S.A. has launched Aveo EZ Nematicide, a seed protectant that reduces nematode reproduction.
The biological product contains a highly concentrated formulation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Strain PTA-4838. The beneficial soil microorganism colonizes the roots of soybean plants. It is effective against reniform, soybean cyst and root knot nematodes, according to the product label.
It is applied at a rate of 0.1 fluid ounces per 140,000 seeds.
Comprised of naturally occurring microbes, Aveo EZ offers easy handling for seed treaters, requiring standard personal protection equipment, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and protective gloves when handling treated seed.
In research trials in fields with known soybean cyst nematode infestations, Aveo EZ-treated plots yielded an additional 1.83 bushels per acre when added to a base treatment, according to a company news release.
The product was put to the test by retailers and growers during 2017 trials in Alabama, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska and Ohio.
An overwhelming majority of retailers in the Midwest and the South saw greater than 90 percent seed coverage under a wide range of cold and warm conditions when treated, according to the release.
Retailers consistently reported that the low use rate made it easy to mix and use with other seed treatment products. Growers also saw a greater rate of emergence with Aveo EZ compared to competitors’ plots.