Crops department

May 1, 2000 12:00 PM, FIN Staff

Wal-Mart on GM "In order to feed the growing world, we need strong food safety regulations, and we need genetically modified products, and we support both." - Kim Pernal, Wal-Mart meat division president touting the company's commitment (as the third largest food retailer in the U.S.) to American agriculture Iowa Soybean Review

Better sprayer suspension Hardi claims that its new coil-spring and shock absorber suspension for its 1,200-gal. Commander sprayer (with 110-ft. Force booms) will greatly reduce bounce and vibration.

The company says its Single Axle Suspension is a first for North American trailered sprayers. The axle features a pivoting axle fitted with two heavy-duty, vertically mounted coil springs and shock-absorbing dampers. It also has two rubber buffers to absorb extreme shocks. Three versions are available: 120-in. fixed axle ($2,800); adjustable 72- to 90-in. axle inserts ($3,100); and a dual wheel axle for 22-in. rows with a fixed track width that runs on 88 to 132 in. (comes with four rims and tires, $7,500). The company hopes to offer a retrofit system for other Commander models in the near future. Contact Hardi Inc., Dept. FIN, 1500 W. 76th St., Davenport, IA 52806, 319/386-1730.

Treat seeds in bulk Trace Chemicals introduces two new ready-to-use planter box seed treatments for soybeans.

Stiletto protects seed beans against various seed rots, decay and seedling blights. The liquid contains Vitavax, thiram and Allegience as active ingredients. (A companion product, Stiletto Moly, offers .2 oz./bu. of molybdenum.)

Protector-L/Allegience combines thiram and Allegiance with molybdenum. Use 4 oz./bu. to give contact and systemic disease protection from Pythium and other seed rots, decay and seedling blights. Contact Trace Chemicals Inc., Dept. FIN, 839 Brenkman Dr., Pekin, IL 61555-0518, 800/846-2980.

Herbicide registered The EPA registers Bronate Pro from Aventis CropScience for spring and winter wheat for control of grass and broadleaf weeds.

The product includes Puma and Bronate herbicides packaged in a twin pack that covers 20 acres/box for postemergent weed control. Contact Aventis CropScience, Dept. FIN, 2 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, 919/ 549-2000.