Brought to you by KWS
Have you had problems with bird feed in maize this year?
Crows or corvids can wreak havoc in newly sown maize fields by picking out seeds or young maize plants. This has unfortunately been the case on many plots this year, but could have been prevented with proper advice and maize seed treatment.
Have you had any problems with bird feed in corn this year? Then choose corn seed that has been treated with Initio Bird Protect in the coming season.
Oversowing or reseeding costs yield and quality
Reseeding or overseeding with seed supplied with the same treatment as previously sown is of no use as the birds will happily return and make their second round. In addition, sowing is done later, which results in the harvest of an immature crop with a lower yield and feed value.
Prevention is better than cure
In order to prevent damage to maize by bird feeding, Initio Bird Protect was successfully introduced as a maize seed treatment on KWS maize varieties in 2020. Initio Bird Protect is also available again for use in the 2022 season. This innovative application is the successor to Mesurol, which no longer allows maize seed to be treated. The active substances in Initio Bird Protect have been on the market for many years and are authorized for use in the Benelux. The strength of Initio is that this seed treatment has a combined, effective effect against bird feeders and also contains all the ingredients to enhance a smooth germination and early development.
As with the use of Mesurol treated maize seed in the past, recommended personal protection precautions such as the use of gloves, coveralls, face shield and appropriate respiratory protection should be followed.
Below you can watch the interesting video in which the results of the application of Initio Bird Protect in the field are presented by Matthias Stauffer from KWS.
In addition to using maize seed treated with Initio Bird Protect, it is important to take a number of cultivation measures that can prevent a poorer emergence or plant loss. Think of a flat seed bed, so that the soil warms up evenly and the capillary rise of soil moisture is also stimulated. Sow at a soil temperature at a seed depth of 10°C and above, and choose maize varieties that are known for their rapid early development. In addition, when sowing, use a row fertilizer if possible.
To have a start of the growing season without damage to food, ask your supplier for corn seed that has been treated with Initio Bird Protect. For more information you can also visit our website.
