Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
February 28, 2017
Seed lubricants are an integral part of the planting process, but talc and graphite or talc/graphite blends can be messy. Fluency Agent Advanced is a new seed lubricant from Bayer that does more than other seed lubricants. It is an improved formulation of the Bayer Fluency Agent product introduced in 2014.
Fluency Agent Advanced can be used on both corn and soybeans. It provides better flowability, improving seed flow from the hopper to the row units for more efficient planting. It also results in less residue buildup in the seed hopper, so cleaning up is efficient. In addition, Fluency Agent Advanced reduces the amount of dust and active ingredient potentially released during planting, further reducing the potential exposure to pollinators.
“When growers choose Fluency Agent Advanced, they have a seed lubricant that not only improves planting performance but also supports better stewardship,” said Melissa Chu, Bayer SeedGrowth product manager.
According to Chu, growers can use Fluency Agent Advanced in all makes and models of planters.
“Fluency Agent Advanced has worked really well for me,” said Janesville, Iowa, grower Jerry Dove, who also used the previous formulation to plant corn and soybeans on his northeast Iowa farm. “It adheres better to the seed. I used to use a talc/graphite [seed lubricant] blend before. With [Fluency Agent Advanced] you see the difference.”
Because of Dove’s success with Fluency Agent, he’s told other growers about the benefits of using the seed lubricant from Bayer. Fluency Agent Advanced requires a very small volume to be effective. Only 1/8 cup is needed per seed unit for both corn and soybeans.
“It is easy to measure and mix,” said Dove, who applies his seed lubricant as he loads his seed tender. “I thought that it worked better than talc and didn’t seem to settle at the bottom of the tank.”
Chu agreed. “There’s no comparison. Fluency Agent Advanced simply does more than other seed lubricants.”
For more on Fluency Agent Advanced, contact your local retailer or Bayer sales representative or ask about it when placing a seed order or preparing to plant.
Bayer is committed to bringing new technology and solutions for agriculture and non-agricultural uses. For questions concerning the availability and use of products, contact a local Bayer representative, or visit Crop Science, a division of Bayer, online at www.cropscience.bayer.us.
Species
