FMC is launching Ethos XB insecticide/fungicide, an integrated in-furrow product for insect and disease control.

Formulated with the patented Liquid Fertilizer Ready technology from FMC, Ethos XB insecticide/fungicide combines the market-leading at-plant insecticide with a broad-spectrum preventative biofungicide, the first corn biopesticide offering from FMC.

Powered by the active ingredient in Capture LFR insecticide, it protects seedlings from corn rootworm, wireworms, grubs, seed corn maggots, cutworms and common stalk borers. The new biological fungicide aids in control of Fusarium, Pythium, Phytophthora and Rhizoctonia.

“The Ethos XB product provides early, integrated protection to create an environment where seedlings emerge more uniformly and with the vigor to optimize productivity,” said Rick Ekins, fungicide and insecticide portfolio manager for FMC.

“As growers push for maximum yields, they are increasing plant populations and planting earlier under more adverse conditions. Our job is to help them protect every seedling with the most convenient and broadest spectrum insect and disease control.”

Ethos XB insecticide/fungicide contains a specific strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, a naturally occurring organism with fungicidal properties.

Used in-furrow, it complements seed treatments by extending protection beyond the critical time when most of the problematic soil pests and soil pathogens threaten yields. Beneficial rhizobacteria rapidly colonize root surfaces building a defensive barrier to infection from fungi and pathogens.

FMC is so confident of this product’s ability to protect the stand that it is offering a Corn Plant Stand Assurance Program. If Ethos XB insecticide/fungicide at planting time does not show a stand increase of 1,000 plants per acre compared to the untreated check, FMC will return the plant stand count difference up to the product cost or re-treat with an FMC product where applicable.