Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
August 26, 2014
Last year Bayer CropScience conducted its first large-scale field trials of its new Fluency Agent seed lubricant, which received favorable reviews from growers. To ensure the commercial viability of the seed lubricant replacement, this year Bayer again engaged with equipment manufacturers, seed companies and retailers across the United States to demonstrate product effectiveness.
Fluency Agent dramatically helps reduce the already low-level of potential risk of exposure to pollinators if they come in direct contact with dust during planting. This and other factors were tested by hundreds of growers through the distribution of more than 520 cases of the product. More than 88 users in the U.S. completed the field study’s survey, representing nearly 60,000 acres. Based on grower feedback from these trials, Fluency Agent:
- Performed equal to or better than comparable talc or graphite lubricants (90 percent of respondents);
- Had noticeably less dust and a lower use rate (75 percent of respondents); and
- Had less buildup on planter plates or discs which allowed for easier planter cleanup (94 percent of respondents).
This year’s testing of Fluency Agent was an unqualified success,” said Kerry Grossweiler, SeedGrowth Equipment and Coatings manager with Bayer CropScience. “The data we have gathered from the second year of field testing in the U.S. are overwhelmingly positive and we are excited for growers to have available to use in 2015.”
Customer feedback reveals that the product performed as expected or better. Bayer will finalize its analysis of the results of the field trials and work with planter equipment manufacturers, seed companies and retailers to have Fluency Agent available for growers in 2015.
Bayer is dedicated to crop protection and is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices, including the protection of beneficial insects such as honey bees. The Company has been actively involved in finding solutions to improve honey bee health for more than 25 years. Its Bee Care Program includes initiatives designed to further bee health research, engagement and discussion and brings Bayer’s extensive experience and knowledge in bee health under one platform.
Bayer CropScience Twitter Page:
http://twitter.com/bayer4cropsus
Bayer Bee Care Twitter Page:
http://twitter.com/BayerBeeCare
Bayer Bee Care Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/BayerBeeCareCenter
Bayer CropScience Blog:
http://connect.bayercropscience.us
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