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