Switching Hybrids and Class 12 Pesticides (Neonic Treated Corn and Soy Seed)

The planting season (or lack thereof) has been a challenging one.  Though as mentioned in this week’s crop report, with the exception of very long season hybrids, it is still too early in the planting window to be thinking of switching hybrids.  That said, in situations when you do need to switch, what happens if the hybrid you want to switch to has a neonic seed treatment.

First off, be aware that the Class 12 regulations only apply to the neonic seed treatments on corn and soybeans (i.e. brands include Alias, Cruiser, Gaucho, NipsIT INSIDE, Poncho, Sombrero, and Stress Shield).

Any grower in Ontario needing to buy and plant NNI treated corn or soybean seed needs:

1) to be certified through the Integrated Pest Management Course for Corn and Soybeans: https://www.ipmcertified.ca/  and

2) have a valid PAR (pest assessment report) to prove need. PARs are valid for 12 months.  If you don’t have a valid PAR (one that was done in the last 11 months and 30 days), there is still time to conduct the soil inspections (baits or digging) this spring. Spring is the best time to bait for wireworms or dig for grubs as they are up at the soil surface.  More information on how to conduct a soil inspection is here: https://fieldcropnews.com/2017/04/conditions-are-good-for-wireworm-and-grub-assessments/

3) Those needing a PAR for fields within the counties listed under Schedule 2 (August 31, 2018 – August 30, 2019) will need a Professional Pest Advisor to conduct the soil inspection. Schedule 2 counties include: Bruce, Elgin, Grey, Haldimand, Hamilton, Huron, Nipissing, Norfolk, Ottawa, Oxford, Peel, Sudbury, and Waterloo.

Another option to consider if protection from soil pests is required is to switch to hybrids treated with the alternative insecticide seed treatments that belong in the diamide group.  These are not classified as Class 12 pesticides and therefore are not part of the regulations. Diamide seed treatments include Fortenza, Lumivia and Lumiderm. No certification or pest assessment reports are required to purchase and plant seeds treated with these products.

More information on the Neonicotinoid Regulations can be found at:  https://www.ontario.ca/page/neonicotinoid-regulations-growers