Wilbur-Ellis Apron/Chloroneb flowable seed treatment fungicide is a novel co-formulation of metalaxyl and chloroneb which provides a dual mode of action to control Pythium ultimum and Rhizoctonia solani respectively. These two organisms, along with Fusarium spps. and Thielaviopsis basicola are the main organisms involved in the seedling disease complex of cotton. Interacting with the proper environmental conditions, these organisms can cause serious crop loses in all cotton-producing areas. Population densities of these organisms vary from area to area, but usually in any one area the number of propagules for each pathogen will exceed the minimum threshold level needed for infection of the cottonseed or seedling.

In order to obtain an acceptable stand of cotton plants with uniform plant development, it is a prerequisite to plant high quality seed treated with a combination of fungicides to provide a broad spectrum of control of pathogens. Wilbur-Ellis Apron/Cholorneb flowable applied at a rate of 5.75 to 11.5 fl. oz./cwt, provides effective systemic control of Pythium and Rhizoctonia seedling diseases affecting stand establishment. Metalaxyl has specific activity against Pythium and chloroneb has specific activity against Rhizactonia.

In situations where Fusarium is found, the addition of Nusan 30 (TCMTB) and/or Nuzone 10ME (Imazalil) has demonstrated increased control of the seedling disease complex (Table 1). The contact activity of Nusan 30 (TCMTB) helps to prevent diseases caused by organisms carried on the seed surface. This compliments the systemic activity of the Apron/Chloroneb which helps prevent the soil-borne organisms from attacking the newly developing root and shoot and extends the period of disease control. The increase in seedling survival with new fungicide seed treatment such as Wilbur-Ellis Apron/Chloroneb flowable should help simplify crop management and lead to substantially improved cotton plant stands.

Seed treatment is the most economical method for controlling seed rot, but should not be considered a substitute for high quality seed. A good seed treatment such as Apron/Chloroneb/TCMTB applied at the recommended tares could reduce the growers dependence on certain kinds of purchased inputs, such as soil applied fungicides, in ways that increase profits, reduce environmental hazards and ensure a more sustainable agriculture for generations to come.