BASF's Obvius seed treatment receives EPA approval

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently approved BASF's Obvius fungicide seed treatment for use on pulse, podded vegetables and canola.

"By controlling multiple, harmful seedling diseases in a variety of crops, Obvius fungicide seed treatment ensures growers can forgo doubling-down on their seed investment," Justin Clark, technical marketing specialist at BASF, said. "With an application growers can effectively manage their fields and investments by taking the first step toward a successful harvest."

Obvius fungicide seed treatment uses Xemium fungicide and F500 fungicide - the same active ingredients found in Priaxor fungicide as well as metalaxyl.

Field trials conducted earlier this year showed that applying Obvius fungicide seed treatment can result in more rapid and increased emergence, long-term residual disease activity, and improved seedling health.

Among the seedling diseases it controls are: Ascochyta blight, Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Botrytis.

"This is the newest tool from BASF to help growers get their season off on the right foot," Clark said. "With three unique modes of action, it provides broad spectrum seed and seedling disease control from the start."

Approval for use in individual states are still outstanding.