One thing to think about with the cool damp spring that we are starting off with is seed treatments.  With the outrageous price increases on fuel, fertilizer, and equipment a guy doesn’t want to put all of that money out there to just put your seed in the ground without any protection at all. 

 Seed applied insecticides and inoculants are the most effective and efficient way of treating.  Some major advantages of applying treatments to the seed include uniform treatment, ease of use, less exposure, and some seed treatments are systemic and will provide some control of foliage feeding insects such as flea beetles. 

 With a product like Cruiser Extreme Pak you get the best of both worlds.   Cruiser Extreme Pak gives you a fungicide along with wireworm and seed corn maggot control.  At higher rates cutworm and corn rootworm control can be seen in low infested areas.  

 There are, however, alternatives to seed applied treatments such as Latitude, Kernel Guard, and sorghum guard for planter box treatments.  The main disadvantages to planter box treatments are exposure and uneven seed coating. 

 With the new genetics and plant breeding options that we have today some of these seedling pests will be controlled directly with different seed genetics.  Bottom line is to protect your seed as much as possible and give it the best chance to get started and then let Mother Nature run her course.