So the systemic seed treatment thiamethoxam is being proposed as a foliar
spray to combat "late- to midseason insect pests" by Syngenta.  Crops
include alfalfa, barley, corn and wheat.  As a result, Syngenta wants EPA to
raise the allowable residues in these crops, and the silage resulting from
harvest (presumably fed to cows, and thus still regulated, as things fed to
cows might impact meat and dairy).

 

http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060005321

 

What does this say about the essential promise of systemics, which were
touted as a complete replacement for spraying, and much safer because the
seeds were treated with a correct dose every time, eliminating the variation
one gets when spraying.  

 

I know nothing of the leaf pests of alfalfa, barley, corn, or wheat, but if
the systemic seed treatments leave the leaves less-than completely protected
for the full life of the plant, I am confused about basic principles here.
Why does the plant need more "leaf protection" later in the season?

 

("Leave the leaves". one doesn't get to type something like that often.)

 


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