Raleigh, North Carolina
December 28,  2001

A tide of invasive and noxious weeds is washing over the American landscape. These weeds render pasture and rangeland worthless. Some dramatically increase the frequency and severity of wildfires.

Now a newly registered product from BASF provides a strong line of defense against the spread of numerous noxious and invasive weeds, including leafy spurge, cheatgrass and medusahead rye.

Plateau(R) herbicide has been approved for use on pasture and rangeland in the United States by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to control noxious and invasive weeds and to aid in the establishment of native grasses and forbs.

"Plateau is the only product that offers long-term, sustainable control of leafy spurge, cheatgrass and a number of other noxious and invasive weeds," said Mike Tweedy, Marketing Manager for BASF.

University research showed that Plateau(R) herbicide provided 96 percent control of leafy spurge after a fall application. The most common alternative treatment provided only 26 to 47 percent control of leafy spurge after a fall application, and 25 to 34 percent control after a spring application.

Research has shown that Plateau provides up to 100 percent control of cheatgrass and medusahead rye when applied in the fall. Field trials demonstrate that Plateau provides 96 percent control of dalmatian toadflax after a fall application.

Among the dozens of plants that Plateau is labeled to control are such problem weeds as leafy spurge, Russian knapweed, Canada thistle, dalmatian toadflax, downy brome, cheatgrass and medusahead rye.

Plateau may be used on CRP land. There are no grazing restrictions following application. There is a seven-day haying restriction.

"Another unique benefit of Plateau is that it controls difficult weeds while also being selective to many tree, brush, legume and wildflower species," said Jennifer Vollmer, Ph.D., a weed scientist with BASF. "Many desirable native grasses are tolerant to Plateau, including big bluestem, little bluestem, Indiangrass, buffalograss and blue grama."

For more information about Plateau, contact BASF at (800) 545-9525 or visit www.vmanswers.com. 

The BASF Agricultural Products business in North America, Specialty Products Department, markets a wide range of innovative products and active ingredients for the forestry, turf, ornamental, pest control, and industrial vegetation markets. Its headquarters are in Research Triangle Park, N.C. It is a unit of the BASF Global Agricultural Products Division located in Mount Olive, N.J. BASF Specialty Products Department can also be found on the Internet at http://www.vmanswers.com. 

Always read and follow directions.
Plateau is a registered trademark of BASF.Z

Company news release
N4073