In order to mitigate risk of dust exposure to bees, Ontario stakeholders believe that practical initiatives to reduce dust released during planting should be considered. This includes the use of an improved seed lubricant and the use of planter deflectors, in order to minimize pollinator exposure.
Two key ways to mitigate dust drift, as referenced above, include:
1) Use the Fluency Agent from Bayer CropScience for seed flow lubrication at the recommended rate, and
2) Installing equipment to direct exhausted air from the planter vacuum fan towards the ground.
To find out more about Fluency Agent and Deflectors, see the new OMAF Infosheet: Planting Practices Pollinator Protection March 2014