FMC announced the launch of Ethos XB insecticide/fungicide. Ethos XB insecticide/fungicide is an integrated in-furrow product for insect and disease control. Formulated with the patented Liquid Fertilizer Ready technology from FMC, Ethos XB insecticide/fungicide combines the at-plant insecticide with a broad-spectrum preventative biofungicide, the first corn biopesticide offering from FMC, according to a company report. Ethos XB has the same active ingredient as Capture LFR insecticide.
Ethos XB insecticide/fungicide offers corn seedling defense against soil pests and diseases. It protects seedlings from corn rootworm, wireworms, grubs, seed corn maggots, cutworms, and common stalk borers. The biological fungicide in Ethos XB insecticide/fungicide aids in control of Fusarium, Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia.
“The Ethos XB product provides early, integrated protection to create an environment where seedlings emerge more uniformly and with the vigor to optimize productivity,” says Rick Ekins, fungicide and insecticide portfolio manager for FMC.
Ethos XB insecticide/fungicide contains a specific strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, a naturally occurring organism with fungicidal properties. Used in-furrow, Ethos XB insecticide/fungicide complements seed treatments by extending protection beyond the critical time when most of the problematic soil pests and soil pathogens threaten yields, according to a company report. Beneficial rhizobacteria rapidly colonize root surfaces building a defensive barrier to infection from fungi and pathogens. Root colonization continues as long as roots are actively growing, extending disease protection well beyond typical seed treatment protection. It also produces antimicrobial metabolites that kill pathogenic fungi and bacteria by destroying cell membranes and walls.
Corn Plant Stand Assurance Program
The extended early protection of Ethos XB insecticide/fungicide pays off in more uniform stands leading to higher yields. FMC is offering a corn plant stand assurance program. If Ethos XB insecticide/fungicide at planting time does not show a stand increase of 1,000 plants per acre compared to the untreated check, FMC will return the plant stand count difference up to the product cost or re-treat with an FMC product where applicable.
“Growers spend a lot of money on seed and they expect a vigorous stand. We are confident that Ethos XB insecticide/fungicide will not only increase stand, but provide every emerged seedling the opportunity to become a productive plant,” says Ekins.
