Both quantity and quality of grain impact wheat growers’ bottom line, and the fungus that creates head scab and deoxynivalenol (DON) puts both at risk. BASF has combined the power of two active ingredients and introduced the new Sphaerex fungicide to help growers control head scab and reduce the impacts of DON better than any other wheat fungicide on the market. Recently registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Sphaerex is available for the 2022 growing season.
“DON reduces the value of your wheat crop by negatively impacting grain quality,” said Ken Deibert, technical field representative for BASF Agricultural Solutions. “And with head scab treated acres up 45 percent since 2013, it’s not if you’ll come in contact with it, but when.”
Dangers of DON and the Power of Sphaerex
Fusarium head blight, also known as head scab, is the most destructive wheat disease growers face, significantly reducing yield potential. The fungus that causes head scab also produces vomitoxin, specifically DON. During infection, DON can accumulate at high levels in the harvested grain. Its presence may result in a significant price reduction, even rejection, at the grain elevator and could impact the health of livestock if consumed.
Sphaerex fungicide brings together two trusted active ingredients, metconazole and prothioconazole, to defeat head scab and reduce DON.
“Growers work too hard to let DON get the best of their wheat,” said Logan Grier, marketing manager, wheat crop protection for BASF Agricultural Solutions. “Sphaerex fungicide can give growers peace of mind that they’re getting the best head scab control and DON reduction to preserve the yield potential and quality of their wheat.”
Sphaerex fungicide is the latest addition to BASF’s robust seed treatment and crop protection portfolio offering wheat growers superior protection against weeds, insects, and diseases.
