Bayer received US EPA registration for Emesto Silver fungicide

Many growers know the disappointment and frustration that come with discovering their potato crop has been infected with Rhizoctonia or other crippling potato-seed diseases. Now potato growers have good reason to celebrate. Bayer CropScience announced that Emesto Silver fungicide potato seed-piece treatment was registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and will be available in the U.S. market for the 2013 crop season.

Emesto Silver, which contains penflufen and prothioconazole, provides two modes of action to manage important seed-borne diseases, including black scurf, silver scurf,and stem and stolon canker, caused by Rhizoctonia and Fusarium dry rot, even the current resistant strains.

Rhizoctonia attacks tubers, underground stems, and stolons and can affect size and number, reduce storability, and impact yield. According to a recent study in the American Journal of Potato Research, fungicide seed-piece treatments, such as Emesto Silver, have been shown to be more effective in reducing Rhizoctonia when seed is the primary source of inoculum (seed-borne).

"Emesto Silver combats many important diseases that affect potatoes. It stops Rhizoctonia in its tracks, preventing disease development and resulting in increased emergence and overall healthier plants." stated Phil Gibson, seed treatment product manager, Bayer CropScience. "And, Emesto Silver, with the one-two punch of penflufen and prothioconazole, will provide growers with two modes of action new to potatoes to aid in the management of Rhizoctonia and combat further Fusarium resistance development."

Fusarium is also a major concern for growers. Potatoes infected with Fusarium are more susceptible to other seed rotting pathogens before and after planting. Even if plants emerge from infected seed, they often have reduced plant vigor and lower yield. After harvest, Fusarium can cause dry rot in storage which reduces potatoes’ quality. Emesto Silver liquid fungicide prevents Fusarium spores from developing which results in increased emergence, healthier plants and a more marketable yield.

"Between French fries, potato chips and fresh cooked potatoes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that Americans, on average, consume more than 112 pounds of potatoes per year,” stated Gibson. “Emesto Silver gives potato growers more confidence in their potato crop to help feed potato consumers.”