New Zinc Treatment Available for 2019 Corn Seed

The micronutrient zinc is important to corn plants for a number of reasons. Zinc acts as a catalyst for enzyme creation and is a precursor for auxin hormones that signal seed germination. When early zinc levels are adequate, there is more consistent seed germination and plant emergence.
 
All CROPLAN^® corn seed has come treated with Advanced Coating^® Zn zinc seed treatment — as well as with a fungicide and an insecticide — for a number of years. Answer Plot^® testing has helped us develop a new and improved zinc seed treatment, Fortivent^™ Zn, which will be available on all new CROPLAN elite class corn hybrids in time for the 2019 growing season.
 
What the data shows 
WinField United has been testing Fortivent Zn seed treatment in Answer Plot trials for the past two years. Results from 2017 and 2018 trials indicate a positive effect on yield. Corn planted with Fortivent Zn seed treatment saw a 4.8-bushel-per-acre increase across 41 trial locations. There’s a positive response from Fortivent Zn seed treatment and the Advanced Coating Zn formulation meaning putting zinc on seed could lead to a potential yield boost.
 
Zinc makes us unique
Fortivent Zn seed treatment is designed to provide an early zinc supply to promote seed germination as well as early-season plant health and vigor. The fungicide and insecticide remain. And though fungicide and insecticide often come standard on other hybrid brands, CROPLAN is the only seed manufacturer that adds zinc to our standard treatment. And at no additional cost to you.
 
Supply zinc throughout the season
Zinc is challenging to get to corn plants because it is immobile in soil and in plant tissue. As a result, plant roots have to come into contact with zinc to take it up, making robust early root growth critical. Corn plants need zinc throughout the season to meet growth and development needs. So in addition to a seed treatment, you can boost early-season zinc levels with a starter fertilizer. As the season progresses, tissue samples can help identify when foliar applications may be beneficial.