The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted emergency exemption (Section 18) approval for the use of Bayer CropScience’s Stratego® fungicide (Trifloxystrobin + Propiconazole) for control of Asian soybean rust. A Section 18 approval for Bayer CropScience’s Folicur® (Tebuconazole) use on soybeans to control Asian rust was received previously. Use of these products to control Asian soybean rust now is allowed in states that have received Section 18 approvals. Thus the company has two excellent products, already proven highly effective in Brazil, for use against soybean rust.

During the past few years Asian soybean rust has become increasingly common in South America. The disease can lead to yield losses up to 80 percent and needs to be treated in a quick and decisive manner. Presently there are signs that Asian rust may become an issue in the coming soy planting season in the United States. Bayer CropScience has an excellent product portfolio and significant experience in the management of Asian rust and is in close dialogue with government agencies, the distributor and retail channels, grower organizations, and farmers.

Bayer CropScience, a subsidiary of Bayer AG with annual sales of about EUR 5.8 billion (2003), is one of the world’s leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and plant biotechnology. The company offers an outstanding range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture and for non-agricultural applications. Bayer CropScience has a global workforce of about 19,000 and is represented in more than 120 countries, ensuring proximity to dealers and consumers.