These represent systems that add precise amounts of insecticide directly to the seed. Steffey puts it this way. A general statement that all soil insecticides are better than seed treatments would be an overstatement. The concept behind these seed treatments is excellent. However, most soil insecticides provide some protection of all underground portions of corn plants, not just the seed.
Most seed treatments protect only the seed.
That is changing with the new seed treatments, but the efficacy data are not very thorough. I can't say that seed treatments are equal to soil insecticides. A Management Approach Rice offers some ideas for dealing with secondary pests that supplement insecticides. If a field has a history of a secondary-insect problem, especially with wireworms, you can assume that problem will not soon be defeated. With CRP ground, he suggests growers plant soybeans the first year back in production.