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Corn seed disinfection for crop safety
A good start is crucial for successful maize cultivation. However, several risks lurk in the first few weeks after sowing. These include bird damage, wireworms, and stressful spring conditions. Last year, especially on clay plots, it was found that difficult seedbed preparation increased the risk of bird damage.
By making the right choices in seed disinfection and cultivation practices, problems such as bird damage, wireworms, and the effects of stressful conditions can be minimized. Below, we outline the most important considerations.
In the video, cultivation specialists Antoon Verhoeven and Patrick Boosten explain more about the different seed disinfections:
1. Bird damage: a growing concern
Bird damage is one of the most visible forms of damage in maize cultivation. The pattern is often erratic: rows that are still standing alongside rows that have been completely eaten away. The damage occurs from sowing until the maize has reached its two-leaf stage.
Points of attention:
- Sow deeper (6-7 cm) in a warm soil (> 10 ̊ C).
- Choose treated seed (Korit Pro can still be used in 2026).
- Good seedbed preparation: finely crumbled seedbed and, if necessary, rolling after sowing.
Since 2020 we offer the LG Corn Service, a combination of the seed treatment Starcover Active+ Force with seed compensation in case of bird damage.
2. Wireworms: damage increases
Every year, we see more damage from wireworms. The click beetle larva bores into the stem base and roots of young corn. This causes corn plants to stunt or die completely.
Points of attention:
- A good seedbed is essential – Force, as a seed disinfectant, works through vaporization around the seed (approximately 3 cm). Vaporization is only effective in a well-drained seedbed that is not too deep, loose, or too coarse.
- Risk: In a slow spring, the corn may emerge too late, while the effectiveness of the disinfectant is already diminishing (effectiveness lasts approximately 3 weeks). Therefore, it's best to sow a little later if the weather forecast isn't ideal.
- It is advisable to sow granulate for extra protection and security.
3. Root development and stress resistance
A strong root base helps the corn plant to better cope with stressors such as drought or cold.
Starcover Active+ summarized:
- Root stimulant provides extra rooting.
- Soil bacteria make phosphate more available.
- Active+ signaling molecule increases resilience to stress.
- Result: faster recovery, better nutrient use and greater yield certainty per hectare.
Conclusion: Managing risks starts at the beginning
The first phase of maize cultivation largely determines the final result. By paying attention to seed disinfection, seedbed preparation, and additional cultivation measures, you increase the chances of reliable and even emergence.
Do you have questions about LG maize varieties, seed disinfection, or cultivation techniques? We're happy to help you. We also offer digital support, such as monitoring corn cultivation with Agility, you can contact us.
