RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., -- An analysis of data from a three-year study conducted by AgInfomatics, LLC., shows a potential revenue benefit, a reduction in input costs for farms and a reduction in the U.S. carbon footprint from using the new seed treatment Poncho/Votivo 2.0.

Dr. Paul D. Mitchell, professor, department of agricultural and applied economics at the University of Wisconsin and AgInfomatics principal, led the analysis – Qualifying the Benefits of Poncho/ Votivo 2.0. He reviewed more than 200 small plot field studies conducted over the course of three years in 13 states that measured yield impacts and how they could translate into environmental benefits and economic advantages when the new seed treatment is used.

Once the seed treatment is introduced commercially, it will give corn growers the opportunity to increase yield potential an average of 3.8 bu./A over Poncho/Votivo or an average of 14 bu./A over a seed-applied fungicide system.

With a 50 percent adoption rate for Poncho/Votivo 2.0, U.S. corn production would increase by 2 percent or an additional 156 million bushels. Without this yield increase, 110,000 tons of fertilizers would be needed to grow the same 156 million bushels of corn on more acres.

What this means for growers, according to Mitchell, is fewer inputs to achieve higher yield potential. While total revenue will depend on the price of corn and the total number of corn acres, with a price of $3.40/bu and the 50 percent adoption rate, Mitchell found that Poncho/Votivo 2.0 showed the following impacts:

  • $530 million in additional revenue for U.S. corn farms
  • More than $890 million of added total economic activity for local economies
  • The additional economic activity could create 6,200 new jobs
  • 124 million more gallons of ethanol produced to replace 1.64 million barrels of crude oil, assuming 29% of the corn is converted to ethanol.

The energy savings from these results would be equivalent to 51.5 million gallons of gasoline—enough to cover the annual mileage of 98,000 passenger vehicles and reduce CO2 emissions by 458,000 metric tons.

"Growers will be pleased that an agronomic solution, as simple as a new breakthrough seed treatment, gives them the opportunity to increase yields and bring added revenue for their farm and community without a larger environmental footprint," said Greg Ginisty, Bayer product manager. "Growers familiar with Bayer know our commitment is bringing innovations to market that provide crop-protection solutions and sustainable technologies that include a dedication to productivity and profitability for growers."

To learn more about the Poncho/Votivo family and other innovations from Bayer, visit PonchoVOTiVO2.Bayer.com.