Chemtura has received registration from the U.S. EPA for Rancona 3.8 FS, a unique, new seed treatment for soybeans and many other crops, including wheat, barley and dry beans.

Rancona contains ipconazole, a distinctive triazole fungicide. Ipconazole has contact and systemic activities and is highly efficacious against a majority of seed and soil-borne fungi in the plant pathogenic fungal classes of zygomycetes, ascomycetes, basidiomycetes and fungi imperfecti (deuteromycetes) which cause seed decay, damping-off and seedling blight in soybeans.

“Unlike many triazoles, ipconazole is very safe on both monocots and dicots. Its proven spectrum of disease control is generally broader than other currently registered seed treatment fungicides. We are excited to have this innovative compound available for soybean growers for the 2009 planting season,” says Mike McFatrich, North American business lead for seed enhancements.

McFatrich goes on to add, “Soybeans are often planted in unfavorable conditions such as low temperature and insufficient or excess moisture. Consequently, the crop is at risk from diseases such as aspergillus, rhizoctonia, fusarium, penicillium and others that can cause reduced emergence or plant death, which can translate to reduced yield.

“Soybeans are also very susceptible to diaporthe spp. (phomopsis) which can cause stem canker as well as pod and stem blight. Rancona protects soybeans from all of these diseases.

Rancona 3.8 FS may be complemented with MetaStar ST(containing metalaxyl) to extend protection to pythium and other oomycete plant pathogens.”

Additional information about Chemtura is available at www.chemtura.com.