A new, faster-acting Pioneer silage inoculant has been introduced by Corteva Agriscience.

Pioneer brand 11G22 Rapid React (RR) is for use on high dry matter grass, wholecrop cereal and lucerne silage crops. Compared to the original 11G22, the rapid react product includes an additional new strain of the bacteria lactobacillus buchneri, which ensures treated silages are aerobically stable much faster after ensiling.

“Pioneer combination inoculants contain multiple strains of bacteria – mainly homofermentative strains of lactic acid producing-bacteria that quickly lower silage pH, and for high dry matter silages lactobacillus buchneri, that suppress growth of undesirable yeasts and moulds that can lead to heating,” explained Andy Stainthorpe, sales manager for Pioneer.

“The strain 11G22 was very effective at reducing silage heating but these were not complete until six weeks after ensiling. 1The rapid version will produce silages that are aerobically stable a lot sooner than this. With forage stocks still low following last year’s drought, early feeding of this year’s silage is being considered on many farms, so it’s important to make quality feed,” he said.

Both products will reduce shrink losses during feed-out and ensure silage remains cool for much longer when the silage is exposed to air. “With so many different types of silage being made these days, it is important to choose the right inoculant for each one,” Mr Stainthorpe added.

“The trend towards producing drier silages automatically leads to greater potential for mould and yeast growth – so treating with an effective and crop specific product, is critical to achieving good fermentation and minimising losses.”

The product, 11G22 RR, is available as a water-soluble product in packaging suitable to use in tank mixes or with the Pioneer Appli-Pro systems for easy and convenient application.