A new tool designed for wheat growers to fight Fusarium and other costly fungi, Charter® PB fungicide seed treatment has been introduced by BASF for on-farm seed treatment.

Charter PB is a liquid seed treatment used for the control of true loose and covered smut of barley and loose smut and common bunt in wheat. Charter PB will increase emergence and plant stands by reducing seed and soilborne seed rots (Cochliobolus spp.), seedling blights (Fusarium spp.), and damping off (Pythium spp.). An innovative, ready-to-apply formulation that requires no dilution or additional dye, Charter PB has been proven to net higher yields by promoting faster emergence and more vigorous growth.

“Charter PB is an extremely effective fungicide that solves a wide range of seed fungus problems that have plagued wheat growers in the past,” said Craig Lindholm, BASF marketing manager for seed treatments. “BASF is committed to the development of seed treatment products both for today, and for the future. Charter PB is another great addition to our seed treatment portfolio.”

Charter PB is BASF’s first product designed for on-farm seed treatment, and is registered for use in wheat and barley. For more information about Charter PB and other BASF crop protection products, visit www.agproducts.basf.com.

With sales of €3,298 million in 2005, 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 crop yields and crop quality. Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants, vegetation management, and forestry.
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.agro.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 system solutions and high-value products help 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. BASF has approximately 94,000 employees and posted sales of more than €42.7 billion (approximately $50.4 billion) in 2005. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.