Verdesian Life Sciences to offer zinc seed treatment

Zinc is a proven way to increase wheat production, but it is difficult to find an economically sensible way for farmers to treat wheat crops with the needed mineral.

Micronutrient deficiencies cause wheat crop yield to be smaller because a lack of zinc causes deficiencies in several key areas of growth including seedling, photosynthesis, sugar formation and defense against disease and stress, such as drought.

Wheat farmers now have a new way to treat their crops, thanks to Verdesian Life Sciences, which now offers Tuxedo Cereals micronutrient seed treatment.

"It is well known wheat that has adequate zinc displays stronger emergence, faster stand establishment, healthier root growth, greater plant vigor and increased yield potential," said Ryan Bond, Ph.D., vice president of marketing and product development for Verdesian Life Sciences. "You may have heard about the problem of soil binding with other micronutrient delivery techniques. This is not the case with the technology in Tuxedo -- and it allows for a lower, more economical application rate than other methods."

In 50 trials throughout the United States, studies of Tuxedo Cereals have shown a four to one return on investment, including winter wheat trials which saw an 8.8-bushel growth during the trial period.