With the registration of GEMINI seed treatment fungicide, cereal growers in Canada have access to a new, leading-edge technology that provides one-rate control of key diseases in wheat, barley and oats. GEMINI will be available for both commercial and on-farm seed treating for the 2005 season.

"GEMINI is an important new tool for growers as part of their ongoing efforts to control and manage diseases in cereal crops," says Rick Mitzel, Seed Treatment Specialist with BASF Canada. Mitzel points to seed and soil
borne fusarium in wheat and true loose smut in barley as examples of key cereal diseases controlled by GEMINI. Other diseases on the product label include common bunt, pythium damping off and covered smut.

GEMINI is available in a convenient, ready-to-use, water-based formulation that also provides exceptional seed safety. This seed treatment also sets a new standard for convenience by offering complete disease control
at one rate of application regardless of the crop -- wheat, barley or oats.

"One rate of application is what Canadian growers have been asking for," says BASF's Mitzel, "and something we believe cereal growers will appreciate about this product." GEMINI is compatible for use with all standard seed treating equipment.

"It's a well established fact that healthier plants use less energy fighting disease with the result that more energy is focused on what's important, crop growth and development. GEMINI supports rigorous growth and development by controlling seedling blights caused by key seed and soil-borne pathogens in cereal crops," says Mitzel.

With sales of (euro) 3,354 million in 2004, BASF's Agricultural Products division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides
and herbicides. Farmers use these products and services to improve yields and quality of agricultural crops. Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants. BASF aims to turn knowledge rapidly into market success. The vision of BASF's Agricultural Products division is to be the world's leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population.
 
GEMINI is a trademark of BASF AG, used under license by BASF Canada Inc.