Zolera^™ FX fungicide + Vacciplant^™ biofungicide

Fighting disease is a familiar battle for farmers, but there are times when a new one pops up that seems to leave destruction in its path. Tar Spot is one of those tough diseases that is beginning to infiltrate U.S. corn-growing states. With its science-based approach and focus on grower needs, UPL Corp has developed a fungicide protocol that delivers a one-two punch to knock it out.

Tar spot was first found in Indiana in 2016. Since then the disease has spread, reaching as far as Kansas, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Florida. The disease is said to cause up to 1.4 bu/A loss for every 1% of tar spot infection, with estimated total losses from 2018 through 2022 at $3 billion.

Farmers have struggled to find a fungicide that can control this disease, which can overwinter in corn residue. To find the right solution, UPL Corp trialed a number of options landing on a unique combination of ZOLERA^™ FX fungicide and Vacciplant^™ Biofungicide. ZOLERA FX uses two modes of action with its active ingredients fluoxastrobin and tetraconazole, while Vacciplant taps into the plants own natural defenses to combat the disease.

This unique combination is part of UPL Corp’s ProNutiva solutions that combine traditional and biological products. These products have been tested and proven to show improved benefits when used together. And when it comes to Tar Spot, it’s a strong solution for farmers in at-risk geographies.

“For every 1% of tar spot infection, farmers can lose up to 1.4 bushels per acre. That requires a unique combination of traditional and biological fungicides to prevent such a significant loss.”

Christy Hetfeld, U.S. Portfolio Manager for Insecticides and Fungicides at UPL

The recommendation for Zolera^™ FX fungicide is permitted in the US under FIFRA Section 2(ee) and has not been submitted to or approved by US EPA and may not be approved for use in all states.