A new formulation of EverGol Energy fungicidal seed treatment from Bayer came on stream during the 2023 seed treatment season.
Prior to its release, trials were conducted across various sites and different seed types, seed grading and grain handling equipment. The product was tested for its effects on seed flow rates, seed drying times, and its and evidence of build-up of product on grain handling and seed treating equipment. The scenarios covered included different application rates, mixing partners, slurry volumes, and a comparison with other products used as industry benchmarks for good application characteristics.
Speaking after observing application of the product at a property near Toolondo (Victoria), Bayer SeedGrowth Technical Services Manager Graeme Sutton was impressed with how the latest formulation has performed in the field.
“The new formulation showed good improvement in terms of seed flow and seed drying times. We've had no issues with build-up on any equipment. The seed grader operator and the farmer are very pleased so far with what they've seen, and my experience today has been very positive.” he said.
“There has not been any negative feedback from the seed grader operator or the farmer. From what we've been seeing going through the machines, the product's seed adherence and flow through the machinery is excellent. So, I'm optimistic about the improved application characteristics of the revised EverGol Energy formulation into the future.”
The new formulation has significant benefits for seed grader operators, agronomists and farmers. It is hoped they will be able to recommend and apply EverGol Energy based on its superior performance without any hesitancy due to some application difficulties experienced with the original formulation.
For growers, they can have confidence that the new formulation of EverGol Energy will remain the best product in terms of seed-borne disease control, but also perform well when treating, transferring, or sowing treated grain.
Kristian Herrmann of Herrmann Seed Cleaning is based out of Karoonda in SA but has worked across the entire Murray Mallee for the last 25 years. After being involved in EverGol Energy trial work, Kristian reported that the new formulation delivered significant improvements for his operation.
“It’s resulted in a lot less buildup in the machine and a lot cleaner sample, everything just flows freely and smoothly, and it makes everyone's day easy. The new formulation just runs clean as a whistle. It's fantastic,” Kristian said.
“Moving forward, I'm happy to use the new formulation of EverGol Energy. It's a very popular product. It's showing great benefits to my customers throughout the area and I’m happy to use it in the future.”
Owner-operator of Victorian-based Dunn-Ezy Seed Cleaning, Jeremy Liston also had a good experience using the new formulation.
“From my perspective, compared to the previous EverGol Energy formulation, the new formulation seems to be cleaning out better, but in terms of coverage it's very much the same,” he said.
The new formulation of EverGol® Energy
With 13 years of experience cleaning and treating grain, Jeremy can see the new formulation playing a role in his business moving forward.
‘If Bayer decided to continue on with this formulation, I would be more than happy to use it.” Jeremy said.
This article was written by Bayer for Seasons magazine.
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