Headline offers broad-spectrum control of key diseases

Several diseases are threatening winter wheat yields and test weights in South Dakota as growers move closer to harvest. Tan spot infection had been confirmed in the state in mid-May, according to reports from the South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service. The report also advised growers to watch closely for signs of leaf rust and stripe rust in their fields.

A preventative treatment with Headline® fungicide from BASF provides excellent protection against all three diseases, said Jerry Minore, fungicide marketing manager for BASF.

“Wheat growers across the nation have achieved excellent disease control, improved tolerance to stress and growth efficiency from Headline,” he said. “As these diseases move north across the Central Plains, I encourage South Dakota growers to scout their fields closely and treat before disease can take hold and significantly reduce yields.”

Effective disease control begins with careful scouting and identification, Minore said. Here is what growers should look for:

Tan spot
The first signs of disease usually can be found on diseased crop debris or grass hosts. Look for tan or brown lesions, which develop a yellow margin as they grow. Severe infections can cause leaves to die prematurely, which lowers test weights and reduces kernel size.

Stripe rust
This disease can develop quickly when rain or dew is present. Disease pustules usually form narrow stripes on leaves, although symptoms sometimes can be found on other parts of the plant. Severe infections can reduce yields.

Leaf rust
This disease also develops when free moisture is available. Check on the upper surfaces of leaves and leaf sheathes for disease pustules, which are smaller than those of stem rust. Severe early infection can cause severe yield losses. In general, the earlier growers treat, the better the control “For optimum yields, it’s important to protect the flag leaf,”

Minore said. “We recommend applying Headline® fungicide when the flag leaf is one-half to two-thirds emerged.

“Growers throughout the North have really incorporated Headline as a standard part of their program. In the past, fungicides were not a planned input -- growers only applied them when they saw disease. Now, Headline has become a standard treatment, just like a herbicide application. Growers are generating better quality and higher
yields when using this product.“

For more information on Headline® fungicide and other BASF crop protection products, visit
www.agproducts.basf.com.

With sales of €3,354 million in 2004, 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. Further information can be found on the web at www.agproducts.basf.com.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF’s intelligent solutions and high-value products helps its customers to be
more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. In 2004, BASF had approximately 82,000 employees and posted sales of more than €37 billion. BASF
shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF), Paris (BA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

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