Open Field Study with “Avipel Shield” Seed Treatment on Field Corn to Deter Birds from Feeding on Corn Seed and Corn Seedlings

Abstract

Crows, ravens, black birds, starlings, grackles, Canada geese, sea gulls and wild turkeys have been a pest problem annually for corn growers in New York. Avipel Shield is a liquid seed treatment that is classified as a bio-pesticide designed to deter birds from feeding on the corn seed in a nontoxic manner. Avipel active ingredient is anthraquinone an extract from the rhubarb plant. These birds feed on newly planted corn seed reducing plant populations and yield in fields. In a pilot study in 2016 with farmers in Delaware County found that a bird repellent seed treatment (Avipel Shield) significantly reduced birds feeding on newly planted corn seed. We conducted a statewide study to test if it really reduced feeding by birds on newly planted corn. We planted 36 plots over 2 years and found that the product does in fact reduce feeding on newly planted corn seed by birds.