Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina
December 3, 2004
For more than two years, Headline
fungicide has delivered improved Plant Health(TM), including
disease control benefits to growers in dozens of crops. Now,
soybean and corn growers can enjoy those same benefits as the
result of a label expansion authorized by the
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency.
"Most U.S.
soybean and corn growers are not accustomed to applying a
fungicide, but it has become standard practice in South America
and other production areas as the yield-boosting benefits have
become evident," said Tracy Linbo, soybean and Plant Health
market manager for
BASF. "We
are excited to be able to offer these same benefits to U.S.
growers."
Headline is
registered on more than 100 crops to control some of the most
damaging diseases that growers face. F500(TM), the active
ingredient, controls disease by interfering with cell
respiration and energy production. Headline was first registered
for use in the United States in late 2002.
In soybeans,
Headline is effective against some of the most destructive
diseases, such as Cercospora blight, anthracnose, frogeye leaf
spot and Asian soybean rust.
The No. 1
Asian soybean rust product in South America over the past two
years is a combination of F500(TM), the same active ingredient
contained in Headline fungicide, and a triazole fungicide.
BASF
recommends that growers in areas where Asian soybean rust is
identified apply Headline as a tank-mixture with a registered
triazole fungicide* as a preventative treatment.
Headline also
controls major diseases in corn, including gray leaf spot,
common corn rust and northern and southern corn leaf blight.
As in all
other labeled crops, BASF recommends that Headline be used in
soybeans and corn as a preventative treatment -- that is,
applied prior to any visual evidence of a disease being present.
"For improved
Plant Health, including disease-control, early application is
critical," said Gary Fellows, BASF technical manager.
"Preventative treatments are the best way to ensure that the
fungicide will protect the plant by inhibiting the development
of fungi before an infection has taken place."
"Soybean
growers and seed producers will see great benefits from treating
with Headline," Linbo said. "It is a good fit for seed corn
producers, as well as for growers of intensely managed crops,
such as irrigated corn, sweet corn and popcorn."
Linbo noted
that Headline has provided positive return-on-investment
benefits in the other crops on which it's been labeled. She
anticipates strong demand from U.S. soybean and corn growers.
"With the
economic challenges facing farmers today, every crop input must
work harder and provide a positive return on investment," Linbo
said. "That's why Headline is the right choice for growers who
want a more complete fungicide for disease control and improved
Plant Health, which can optimize quality and increase yields."
With sales
of euro 3,176 million in 2003,
BASF's
Agricultural Products division is a leader in crop
protection and a strong partner to the farming industry
providing well-established and innovative fungicides,
insecticides and herbicides. Farmers use these products and
services to improve yields and quality of agricultural crops.
Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control,
turf and ornamental plants. BASF aims to turn knowledge rapidly
into market success. The vision of BASF's Agricultural Products
division is to be the world's leading innovator, optimizing
agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing
the quality of life for a growing world population.
BASF is the world's leading
chemical company. Our goal is to grow profitably and further
increase the value of our company. We help our customers to be
more successful through intelligent system solutions and high-
quality products. BASF's portfolio ranges from chemicals,
plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine
chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. Through new technologies
we can tap into additional market opportunities. We conduct our
business in accordance with the principles of sustainable
development. In 2003, BASF had sales of more than euro 33
billion (circa $42 billion). BASF shares are traded on the stock
exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF), Paris
(BA) and Zurich (AN).
Contact
your local state or federal agricultural authorities or local
retailer for a list of triazole fungicides approved for use in
soybeans for control of Asian soybean rust.
Always
read and follow label directions.
Headline
is a registered trademark and F500 is a trademark of BASF. |