Beekeepers, Growers Laud Bayer CropScience’s New Fluency Agent

Testimonies and Trials Confirm Seed Treatment Technology Lowers Dust
during Planting; Further Reducing Potential for Honey Bee Exposure

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (Nov. 19, 2013)Bayer CropScience conducted successful field trials of its new seed treatment application technology. The product is designed to further reduce potential dust exposure to honey bees during a typical planting process, while offering improved handling efficiencies for growers.

As an alternative to standard talc and graphite lubricants, the new Bayer fluency agent – made of a polyethylene wax substrate – was shown to significantly decrease dust and emissions during laboratory testing:

  • Ninety percent reduction in total dust versus talc
  • Sixty percent reduction in total dust versus graphite

Video testimonials from growers and beekeepers further illustrated the success of the large-scale field trials. The video captures the commercial viability of the new fluency agent under field conditions and features feedback from participants, such as:

  • Performed equal to or better than comparable talc or graphite lubricants;
  • Decreased level of dust during application and easier to avoid dust when checking boxes; and
  • Showed equivalent results at significantly lower use rates than talc when comparing planting uniformity.

The development of the new fluency agent is just the latest example of Bayer‘s dedication to crop protection and commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices, including the protection of beneficial insects such as honey bees. For additional information and background on other sustainability initiatives please visit http://www.bayercropscience.us/our-commitment/bayer-initiatives.