The success of those first few weeks after sowing has a major impact on total pasture density heading into its first winter. For the team at Notman Pasture Seeds, seed treatment is a precision agriculture tool that places protection exactly where it’s needed — on the seed itself!
Seed treatment in a nutshell
Systemic insecticides on the seed work right through the plant, stopping insects from feeding while also quickly controlling those that attack. This dual action helps safeguard the plant both in the soil and above ground. Up to 6 weeks protection!
Step-by-step protection from the ground up
Protection around the seed: Once the seed is sown, the treatment begins to activate in the soil, creating a protective zone around the germinating seed.
Roots take up protection: As young roots develop, they absorb the active seed treatment, deterring pests from chewing, and knocked down if they ingest the chemical.
Protection moves into shoots and leaves: The active ingredient grows up the plant, reaching new shoots and leaves.
Supporting strong early growth: Insects feeding on young foliage are deterred, minimising damage, egg laying and giving seedlings a better opportunity establish evenly across the paddock.
Why it matters on farm
Seed treatment is about more than just protecting plants — it’s about setting up the whole autumn or spring pasture sowing for success:
- Deters insect pests from feeding: Ideally moving away from the newly sown pasture
- Better strikes: Treated seed helps achieve even paddock coverage and reliable plant populations.
- Stronger seedlings: Protected plants can compete better with weeds
- Earlier feed: Healthy seedlings grow on quicker, bringing paddocks into grazing sooner.
Remember, seed treatment is just one tool farmers can use against targeted pests. Always seek advice for in-depth information on taking action against a particular pest.
Setting up your pastures for the season ahead
Seed treatment can be a simple, cost-effective way to reduce risk and give seedlings every chance to succeed when pest pressure has been evident in the past. By protecting each seed from day one, farmers can sow with greater confidence in their investment.
