Helena Launches Two Exclusive Soybean Seed Treatments for the 2024 Growing Season
Helena Agri-Enterprises is expanding seed treatment opportunities for soybean growers in 2024 with the launch of Seed Shield Select and Enertia. A multi-fungicide and insecticide combination, Seed Shield Select provides protection from all major soybean seedling diseases and insects while optimizing root health and plant vigor. Enertia is an enzyme-based, biological soybean seed treatment designed to enhance soil health and improve nutrient availability as roots develop. With soybean acres expected to rise across the country next season, the duo not only helps insure valuable seed investments, but it also provides a strong foundation for growth and yield potential.
“In farming, re-planting seed or re-spraying a crop are two of the costliest applications a producer can make,” says Josh Byford, Director of Seed at Helena. “Even though current germplasm and technology packages provide the foundation for a high level of success, the environment can bring about a multitude of yield-limiting factors from planting to full crop establishment. A seed treatment can provide valuable protection, or insurance, to minimize seed and seedling loss.”
Seed Shield Select contains five fungicide active ingredients, an industry-standard insecticide, and Helena’s Asset Formulation Technology. Out of the five fungicides, picarbutrazox is the latest to enter the market. Its performance raises the bar on control of Pythium and Phytophthora, two of the most notorious challenges for soybean farmers.
“A very good seed treatment should provide broad spectrum seedling disease protection, but a lot of products on the market today are deficient, especially against Pythium,” says Tony Lourens, Brand Manager of Seed Treatments, Fungicides and Insecticides with Helena Products Group. “Our goal with Seed Shield Select is to be more effective on the worst diseases by targeting them with multiple modes of action. We combine that activity with well-rounded insect control and strong root and shoot development to give growers a seed treatment that gets soybeans out of the ground faster, healthier and with a lot of vigor.”
Previewed at the Commodity Classic in Orlando, Florida, earlier this year, Enertia takes a natural approach to unlocking soil nutrition. Its patented enzyme technology reacts with soil organic matter to increase microbial activity in the root zone and improve nutrient cycling in the soil. By enhancing soil structure and reducing nutrient loss, soybeans can thrive in a more productive growing environment.
“The big benefit of Enertia is VersaShield Formulation Technology,” says Mike Powell, Senior Brand Manager of BioScience with Helena Products Group. “Most biological seed treatments become ineffective if you try to mix them with insecticides, fungicides and other common inputs. VersaShield stabilizes the enzymes in Enertia for ease of use, long-lasting activity and consistency.
Seed Shield Select and Enertia are the latest in a line of seed treatments from Helena, featuring inoculants, plant growth regulators, SDS solutions, nematicides and other disease and insect control options. Helena encourages soybean growers to secure their seed treatments now, as supply is limited for the 2024 growing season. Visit HelenaAgri.com to find your local Helena representative and for more information on Seed Shield Select and Enertia.
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