As you build your agronomic plan for the next growing season, consider how each input works together to address field-specific challenges, support crop performance and optimize ROI potential. Biologicals are not a stand-alone strategy, but they can add another layer to your broader seed, fertility and crop protection programs, particularly during the critical early-season window.
Before diving headfirst into a biologicals plan for the next growing season though, ask yourself a few intentional questions to help shape the right strategy: What agronomic challenge are you trying to address? Are you looking to fill a gap or complement an existing mode of action? Now is an opportune time to determine whether a biological seed treatment aligns with the needs of a specific field and fits within your broader crop management program.
Biological Seed Treatments Bring Benefits to the Planter
At the start of the growing season, especially if you’ll be planting into cool, wet soils, consider a biological seed treatment to help mitigate the risk of early-season stressors and to protect your seed investment.
For soybeans, Ascend® ST3™ plant growth regulator (PGR) is optimized for use as a seed treatment and has demonstrated larger root systems, stronger early-season growth and more consistent plant size compared with untreated soybeans in field testing. Its low use rate also allows for simpler seed drying and handling.
Planter box treatments, such as Dash™ PBC for corn and Dash™ PBS for soybeans, provide another practical option. These microbial planter-box treatments provide seed lubrication with less dust than an 80/20 talc-graphite blend while helping support germination and early plant health. Because they can be added directly to seed in the planter box, they require no additional trip across the field or added time, fuel and labor.
Look for Data, Not Just Claims
Once you understand how a biological product could fit your operation, look closely at the data behind it. Trust remains a barrier to biological adoption, particularly as the market becomes more crowded and product claims can be difficult to compare. A single strip trial or standout yield result does not provide the full picture. Instead, look for replicated research across multiple years, locations and growing environments, along with local results that reflect conditions similar to your own. Yield response matters, but so do consistency, practicality and the product’s potential to deliver a positive ROI.
Ascend® ST3™ and Dash™ planter-box seed treatments are backed by data demonstrating their potential value. In plots showing a positive response over three years, Ascend® ST3™ PGR provided a 2.7 bu/A yield advantage while helping protect the seed investment from early-season stress.1 Dash™ PBC also delivered an average 3.0 bu/A corn yield increase across 35 Answer Plot® locations.2 You can use results like these as a starting point, then work with your local retailer to determine whether the products have performed consistently in your geography.
Build a Plan for Your Acres
Biological seed treatments can make a difference when they address a defined agronomic need and complement a complete seed treatment strategy. Before selecting a product, consider your field history, anticipated early-season risks and the specific outcome you want to achieve. Then, evaluate whether the available performance data is relevant to your geography and management system.
Starting with a clear objective and a data-backed plan can help you use biologicals confidently and maximize the potential return on your seed investment. Your local retailer can help you bring those considerations together by reviewing local and multi-year data, identifying the right products for the right acres and building a biological seed treatment strategy tailored to your operation. Contact your local WinField United retailer to start planning for next season.
1Based on 19 trials across Answer Plot locations, 2019, 2020, 2022. In high-yield environments over 64 bu/A.
2Controlled environments trial: 3 reps per treatment. Rates: Dash™ PBC (0.5 oz/unit; 80,000 seed/unit), 80/20 talc/graphite (4 oz/cwt) corn. Means followed by the same letter are not statistically different. Field trial: 35 Answer Plot locations.
© 2026 WinField United. Important: Before use, always read and follow label instructions. Crop performance is dependent on several factors many of which are beyond the control of WinField United, including without limitation, soil type, pest pressures, agronomic practices and weather conditions. Growers are encouraged to consider data from multiple locations, over multiple years and to be mindful of how such agronomic conditions could impact results. Answer Plot,
Ascend® ST3™, Dash™ and WinField are trademarks of WinField United. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
