Headline(R) Fungicide Registered for Soybeans and Corn Fungicide Boosts Plant Health, Controls Key Diseases RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than two years, Headline fungicide has delivered improved Plant Health(TM), including disease control benefits to growers in dozens of crops. Now, soybean and corn growers can enjoy those same benefits as the result of a label expansion authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency. "Most U.S. soybean and corn growers are not accustomed to applying a fungicide, but it has become standard practice in South America and other production areas as the yield-boosting benefits have become evident," said Tracy Linbo, soybean and Plant Health market manager for BASF. "We are excited to be able to offer these same benefits to U.S. growers." Headline is registered on more than 100 crops to control some of the most damaging diseases that growers face. F500(TM), the active ingredient, controls disease by interfering with cell respiration and energy production. Headline was first registered for use in the United States in late 2002. In soybeans, Headline is effective against some of the most destructive diseases, such as Cercospora blight, anthracnose, frogeye leaf spot and Asian soybean rust. The No. 1 Asian soybean rust product in South America over the past two years is a combination of F500(TM), the same active ingredient contained in Headline fungicide, and a triazole fungicide. BASF recommends that growers in areas where Asian soybean rust is identified apply Headline as a tank-mixture with a registered triazole fungicide* as a preventative treatment. Headline also controls major diseases in corn, including gray leaf spot, common corn rust and northern and southern corn leaf blight. As in all other labeled crops, BASF recommends that Headline be used in soybeans and corn as a preventative treatment -- that is, applied prior to any visual evidence of a disease being present. "For improved Plant Health, including disease-control, early application is critical," said Gary Fellows, BASF technical manager. "Preventative treatments are the best way to ensure that the fungicide will protect the plant by inhibiting the development of fungi before an infection has taken place." "Soybean growers and seed producers will see great benefits from treating with Headline," Linbo said. "It is a good fit for seed corn producers, as well as for growers of intensely managed crops, such as irrigated corn, sweet corn and popcorn." Linbo noted that Headline has provided positive return-on-investment benefits in the other crops on which it's been labeled. She anticipates strong demand from U.S. soybean and corn growers. "With the economic challenges facing farmers today, every crop input must work harder and provide a positive return on investment," Linbo said. "That's why Headline is the right choice for growers who want a more complete fungicide for disease control and improved Plant Health, which can optimize quality and increase yields." For more information on Headline and other BASF crop protection products, visit the BASF Web site at http://www.agproducts.basf.com/ . With sales of euro 3,176 million in 2003, 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. Further information can be found on the web at http://www.agriculturalproducts.basf.com/ . BASF is the world's leading chemical company. Our goal is to grow profitably and further increase the value of our company. We help our customers to be more successful through intelligent system solutions and high- quality products. BASF's portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. Through new technologies we can tap into additional market opportunities. We conduct our business in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. In 2003, BASF had sales of more than euro 33 billion (circa $42 billion). BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF), Paris (BA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at http://www.basf.com/ . *Contact your local state or federal agricultural authorities or local retailer for a list of triazole fungicides approved for use in soybeans for control of Asian soybean rust. Always read and follow label directions. Headline is a registered trademark and F500 is a trademark of BASF. DATASOURCE: BASF Corporation CONTACT: Kaye Iftner of BASF Corporation, +1-919-547-2829, Web site: http://www.agriculturalproducts.basf.com/ http://www.agproducts.basf.com/ http://www.basf.com/

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