Seed Treatment Alternatives for Wheat: New Trials Show Minimal Yield Impact
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- Seed Treatment Alternatives for Wheat: New Trials Show Minimal Yield Impact
Farmers in Ille-et-Vilaine, France, are exploring strategies to reduce their Insecticide Fungicide Treatment (IFT) scores, with recent trials suggesting that forgoing seed treatment in wheat production might potentially be a viable option. members of an Eco-Phyto group led by CETA 35 discovered that reducing seed treatment could lower IFT by a ample amount, while still maintaining comparable yields. “We are trying to modify our cultural practices to lower the IFT by 0.1, while seed treatment represents 1 IFT point,” explained a representative from the group.
The Impact of Seed Treatment on Wheat Production
The common practice of treating wheat seeds with fungicides, particularly against fusariosis, is being re-evaluated. Arvalis research indicates that the incidence of fusariosis is generally low to moderately harmful. Though, the risk is heightened in fields intended for farm seed production, especially following a grain corn harvest.Fungicide treatments also offer protection against cavities, though these are less frequent.
Did You Know? Fusariosis, a fungal disease, can significantly impact wheat quality and yield, but its prevalence varies greatly depending on environmental conditions and crop rotation practices.
Yield Trials Reveal Minimal Differences
CETA 35 conducted micro-plot trials in 2023 and 2024 to assess the impact of eliminating seed treatment on wheat yield. The average yield with treated seeds was 84.2 quintals (q), while untreated seeds yielded 83.9 q.”This difference is not significant,” stated Marc Delatouche, a cultures host in CETA 35. Quality criteria, protein content, and specific weight (PS) remained consistent between the two groups.
Further tests where conducted on three farms, utilizing a mixture of wheat varieties selected to minimize fungicide and regulator needs. These tests compared untreated seeds, seeds treated with the TMCE biostimulant TMF, and seeds treated with the celestnet fungicide. GERMINON tests at one farm showed slightly higher losses with untreated seeds.
| Treatment | Average Yield (q) | Yield Difference (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Treated Seeds | 84.2 | – |
| Untreated Seeds | 83.9 | -0.36% |
Farmer Experiences: A Shift Towards Sustainable Practices
Bruno Durand, a farmer in Maxent (35), has been experimenting with untreated wheat seeds for five years. “It allowed me to have a more scientific approach to something that I had been practicing for some time,” Durand explained. After experiencing success with farm-saved wheat, he began implementing half of his wheat crop without treatment, achieving equivalent yields. Durand’s commitment to the MAE System led him to further reduce his IFT score by eliminating seed treatment.
“It saves money but above all reducing phytosanitaries can only be beneficial to the life of the soil and our health,” Durand added. Lifting counts showed no significant difference in plant numbers, with slightly faster emergence in the untreated plots. Ear counts in June revealed a small increase – 15 to 30 more ears per square meter - in the treated plots, but this difference was not statistically significant.
Pro Tip: Prior to using farm-saved seeds, always conduct a germination test to determine the appropriate seeding density.
Agronomic Considerations for Untreated Seeds
To successfully produce farm seeds without treatment, it’s recommended to start with certified seeds planted in fields with a low risk of fusariosis – avoiding fields previously planted with corn. Seeds should be carefully sorted to remove weed seeds and diseased grains. If fields have a history of cavities, seed treatment or biocontrol methods, such as vinegar, may be justified. The challenges associated with bare patch in barley suggest that eliminating seed treatment may be more complex in that crop.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), careful consideration of disease risk and appropriate agronomic practices are crucial for accomplished disease management in cereals EFSA Plant Health.
Looking Ahead: Reducing IFT and Promoting Sustainability
While seed treatment is relatively inexpensive – around €6/ha for Celestnet - these initial trials demonstrate that it doesn’t provide a significant yield advantage in fields without a high risk of root rot or trampling. Therefore, eliminating seed treatment is a viable strategy for lowering IFT, reducing exposure to pesticides, and promoting environmental sustainability. Untreated seeds also offer flexibility in managing sowing ends, allowing for potential marketing of surplus seed.
The movement towards reduced pesticide use in agriculture is gaining momentum globally, driven by concerns about environmental impact and human health.Farmers are increasingly adopting integrated pest management (IPM) strategies,focusing on preventative measures,biological control,and targeted applications.The success of trials like those conducted by CETA 35 highlights the potential for innovative approaches to minimize reliance on synthetic inputs while maintaining crop productivity. The ongoing development of new wheat varieties with enhanced disease resistance will further support these efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions about seed Treatment in Wheat
- What is IFT and why is it crucial? IFT (Insecticide Fungicide Treatment) is a score used to measure the environmental impact of pesticide use.Lowering IFT scores is a key goal for sustainable agriculture.
- does eliminating seed treatment affect wheat quality? Trials have shown no significant difference in quality criteria, such as protein content, between treated and untreated wheat seeds.
- What are the risks of planting untreated wheat seeds? The primary risk is increased susceptibility to fungal diseases, particularly fusariosis and root rot, especially in high-risk fields.
- What alternatives are there to fungicide seed treatment? Biostimulants, careful seed selection, crop rotation, and biocontrol agents like vinegar can be used as alternatives.
- Is it possible to sell surplus untreated wheat seeds? Yes, untreated wheat seeds can be marketed if they meet quality standards.
We hope this article provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of wheat production. Do you think more farmers will adopt these practices? What challenges do you foresee in implementing these changes on a larger scale? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on sustainable agriculture!
