Meristem Announces “Gold Standard” Fungicide At-Plant Treatment For Pythium and Phytophthora

The EPA has granted approval for Meristem Crop Performance to position Metalaxyl ST fungicide along with its biocontrol Prephyte ST in the Bio-Capsule Technology for at-plant seed fluency and application. 

“Metalaxyl is today’s “gold standard” systemic fungicide for controlling multiple species of Pythium and Phytophthora,” said Mitch Eviston, Meristem Founder and CEO. “Now we can deliver it to the furrow with our new biocontrol Prephyte ST to maximize protection for the seed in a very convenient way for farmers.”

The company sees this new formulation as a potential replacement for liquid seed treatment. 

“Independent, third-party research has documented that the Bio-Capsule puts 10-times the live microbes and other active ingredients on the seed when compared with conventional seed treatment or what can be applied through liquid on the planter. We’re really thrilled to learn how this horsepower can be harnessed to protect each seed from yield-robbing disease,” Eviston says. 

For the 2024 season Meristem will have in the market enough product for “a few thousand acres.” It will be marketed as part of the Revline Hopper Throttle product lineup.  

“I’ve spent 10 years working with biologicals and we have struggled for years to keep biologicals alive through the atomization process in conventional treaters and some great biocontrol technology hasn’t shown positive results,” said Chris Thrasher, Meristem’s Director of Innovation and Product Management. “But now, the Bio-Capsule allows us to use the fungicide and the biocontrol together to address the primary soil-borne diseases in soybeans and seedlings. It’s really a game-changer. This is the new easy-button for seed protection. This could make liquid seed treatment obsolete.”