Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of some of the most common questions we get about Poncho^® 250, Poncho 1250 and corn crops in general.

• How do I know if a corn hybrid comes with Poncho seed treatment?
• Poncho is commercially applied by seed companies, so talk to your seed dealer to find out if the hybrids you’re choosing come with Poncho. Or click here for a directory of seed companies that sell Poncho-treated seed.

• What’s the difference between Poncho 250 and Poncho 1250?
• Poncho 250 controls all major early season corn pests, up to the five-leaf stage of corn. Poncho 1250 controls corn rootworm, plus all major early season corn pests, beyond the five-leaf stage of corn.
  
  

  Insect	Poncho 250	Poncho 1250
  Black cutworm	Yes	Yes
  Corn flea beetle	Yes	Yes
  Corn rootworm		Yes
  European chafer (white grub)	Yes	Yes
  Japanese beetle (white grub)	Yes	Yes
  June beetle (white grub)	Yes	Yes
  Seedcorn maggot	Yes	Yes
  Wireworm	Yes	Yes

• Is corn rootworm a big problem?
• Corn rootworm used to be a significant insect pest when growing continuous corn was a common practice. Rootworm eggs are able to overwinter in fields and re-infest when corn is returned to the same field. Crop rotation is an effective control measure – and sound agronomic practice – to reduce corn rootworm.
  
  However, as the economics of growing corn continue to improve, the temptation to grow consecutive corn crops in the same field also rises – increasing the threat of corn rootworm infestation.

• Will an insect seed treatment improve my corn yields?
• Yes. By protecting the seed and developing seedling from insect damage, corn stands are more uniform and vigorous, right out of the ground. Our research trials indicate that Poncho 250 yields an average of 5 bu./ac.* more than seed not treated with an insecticide, and Poncho 1250 returns an average of 21 bu./ac.** more than seed not treated with an insecticide.
  
  *Based on 616 side-by-side field trials comparing the performance of Poncho 250 treated seed to seed not treated with an insecticide (2003-2006).
  **Based on 10 side-by-side field trials comparing the performance of Poncho 1250 treated seed to seed not treated with an insecticide (2002-2003).

• Do I need Poncho 1250 if I’m using a hybrid with built in corn rootworm protection?
• Yes. All corn rootworm hybrids require refuge acres as part of a resistance management strategy. Poncho 1250 is an effective way to provide control on refuge acres while adhering to refuge acre recommendations. Talk to your seed dealer about what percentage of your field must be planted as a refuge. Also, if planting in soils with high insect pressure, Poncho 1250 will protect your corn seed.

• Are there any special considerations when I’m planting Poncho 1250 seed?
• Yes. To help lubricate the seed to ensure uniform drop, use talc or graphite to planter manufacturer recommendations when planting corn treated with Poncho 1250.