Farming conditions are constantly changing. That’s why growers need to rely on crop protection inputs that provide success along with flexibility,” says Greg Hudec, Technical Service Representative with Bayer CropScience in Manhattan, Kan. At the 2009 Profit Maximizer Wheat Summit in Wichita, Hudec spoke to Kansas and Oklahoma wheat growers about the Bayer CropScience portfolio of crop protection offerings.

“We offer one of the most successful line-ups of seed treatments, herbicides and fungicides for the region,” he says. “Our commitment to research and development allows us to bring new products to market that target specific needs for grower success.” Hudec reviewed the 2009 offerings from Bayer CropScience:

Axiom DF herbicide is applied at the 1-2 leaf stage of winter wheat and provides consistent control of many grasses and certain small-seeded broadleaf weeds. It works as an excellent set-up product when followed by a spring application of Osprey, Olympus, or Olympus Flex herbicides especially where weed populations are high or resistant weeds are present. Axiom offers a unique mode of action to reduce resistance problems.

Huskie herbicide provides excellent control of a number of broadleaf weeds in winter wheat, especially those that have developed resistance to many commonly used products. Huskie mixes well with other broadleaf and grass herbicides for broad-spectrum control and full rotational flexibility.

Olympus herbicide is a cost-effective winter wheat herbicide that offers reliable post-emergence control of tough grass weeds including cheat, downy brome and wild oats as well as a number of key broadleaf weeds. Olympus provides consistent performance with a wide application window for winter or spring treatments, as well as fl exibility to rotational crops.

Olympus Flex herbicide provides unmatched grass control and strong broadleaf activity in winter wheat, all with fl exibility and the best rotation options. Olympus Flex provides consistent control of ryegrass, cheat, downy brome, wild oats and suppression of jointed goatgrass. Apply in the late fall, winter or spring as a post-emergence treatment to the crop and weeds.

Osprey herbicide offers broad-spectrum grass control, including Italian ryegrass and wild oats (including ACC-ase resistant) and suppression of jointed goatgrass in winter wheat. Osprey provides full rotational crop fl exibility and can be tank mixed with many broadleaf herbicides for one-pass weed control.

Prosaro fungicide is a recently registered product that offers the broadest spectrum control of both leaf and head diseases, including head scab, to help maximize yield and profi t potential in wheat. Reducing scab infection protects grain yield and quality by reducing deoxynivalenol (DON) levels. Prosaro also provides excellent curative and long residual activity against a host of leaf diseases.

Stratego fungicide combines two modes of action to provide residual and systemic activity, protecting against fungal diseases, leading to a healthier fi elds and healthier yields.

New Proceed seed treatment offers a new standard against scab, smut, bunt, and a broad-spectrum of other diseases that threaten cereal seed and seedlings. It helps your wheat and barley emerge strong, green and lush as well as maximize the return on your investment with improved yield potential.

Gaucho XT seed treatment is a low-dose, seed-applied, systemic insecticide/fungicide for wheat and barley. Gaucho XT protects against a broad spectrum of insects and diseases. Protection starts at planting, through emergence and well into stand establishment.

Baythroid XL insecticide is the complete pyrethroid for wheat. Baythroid XL gives fast, effective control of primary and secondary pests - such as Russian wheat aphid. It offers excellent residual control and can be applied by ground, air, chemigation or tankmix with post herbicides.

Hudec says Bayer CropScience is committed to providing its customers with up-to-date information and technical support. “We have developed resources specific to wheat growers including online tools and information services,” he says. “We want to be your partner for growing the best wheat crop possible in order to expand your yields and grow profits.”