A new-generation seed treatment which controls against a wide spectrum of seed and soil-borne diseases will be available this autumn, for use across all winter cereal crops.

The seed dressing, known as Kinto Plus, will provide broad label activity against seedling blight, foot rot, common bunt, leaf stripe, snow rot and a range of smuts.

With growth-promoting effects such as improved germination and enhanced root development also on offer, the product helps crops better withstand environmental stresses.

See also: Novel fungicide widens T2 options for wheat growers

Active ingredients

Developed by agrochemical company BASF, Kinto Plus contains equal measures (33.3g/litre) of the actives: triticonazole, SDHI fungicide fluxapyroxad, (Xemium) and fludioxonil, which can be applied to any winter cereal crop.

The product is approved for use on all seed types including farm-saved seed, hybrid, conventional and seed production crops, as well as malting barley.

Sarah Middleton, the firm’s seed market manager, explains how the seed treatment can help growers secure higher yields from the outset, with successful disease control obtained from a single application, at a rate of 1.5 litres/t of seed.

“The control of leaf stripe and loose smut – which can be seen as forgotten diseases – are key attributes of the treatment, particularly for seed production crops where there are tolerances for infection levels of these diseases,” she says.

‘Kinto’ reinvented

Furthermore, Mrs Middleton highlights the name “Kinto” may be familiar to some, as this was the name of a previous seed treatment which is no longer available since the revocation of prochloraz.

Kinto Plus, however is a different, new-generation product which brings physiological benefits through the active ingredient fluxapyroxad.

“This improves germination and enhances root development, both in terms of mass and length, particularly during times of stress.

“This results in quicker crop establishment, better tiller retention and more vigorous plants, enabling growers to maximise the genetic yield potential of the crop,” says Mrs Middleton.