- Resistance Management
- Compatibility
- Worker Safety & Flexibility
- Residue Tolerance
- Enviromental Stewardship
- Formulations
- Benefits
Summary
BALLAD® PLUS fungicide is registered for control of rust, powdery mildew, cercospora, and brown spot. Based on a patented strain of Bacillus pumilus (QST 2808), BALLAD PLUS was discovered and developed by AgraQuest, Inc, the leading manufacturer and marketer of biological, agricultural fungicides.
Recent studies in the United States, South Africa, and Argentina have shown that BALLAD offers significant control of Asian Soybean Rust, while also providing control of secondary diseases. OMRI listed and NOP approved, BALLAD PLUS is the only fungicide listed for organic use that controls ASR.
BALLAD PLUS is a broad spectrum product for the control or suppression of many important plant diseases and is an excellent fit in disease control programs of both conventional and organic production. BALLAD PLUS adds value to all programs by providing the additional benefits of resistance management, short 4 hour re-entry intervals, compatibility with other products, no residue restrictions for export, and safety to beneficial insects.
Resistance Management Tool
BALLAD PLUS contains a unique, patented strain of Bacillus pumilus (QST 2808 strain) that produces an antifungal amino sugar compound. This compound disrupts cell metabolism and destroys cell walls, leading to the destruction of the cell and death of the plant pathogen. BALLAD PLUS also creates a zone of inhibition on plant surfaces, preventing pathogens from establishing on the plant. This novel mode of action not only creates an effective fungicide, but also makes it very difficult for diseases to develop resistance. BALLAD PLUS is therefore an important tool for growers in areas where resistance to conventional products has developed, and it will help to prevent the development of resistant pathogens when it is rotated in a control program with other registered fungicides.
Compatibility
BALLAD PLUS is a flexible tank mix option and complements standard disease control programs. It is a liquid formulation with high suspensability and is compatible with registered products such as copper, sulfur and other foliar-applied micronutrients, insecticides and fungicides. BALLAD PLUS is also compatible with use of non-penetrating, non-ionic products such as silicon surfactants.
Ballad Plus Compatibility Chart (PDF)
Worker Safety & Flexibility
BALLAD PLUS is safe for workers with just a 4 hour re-entry interval. It’s zero-day preharvest interval makes BALLAD PLUS an excellent tool for late season disease problems, right up to and including the day of harvest.
Residue Tolerance Exemption
BALLAD PLUS is exempt from the requirements of a residue tolerance, helping growers meet "clean" food standards established by independent scientific certification systems. Also, an exported crop treated with BALLAD PLUS is not subject to Codex import requirements.
Environmental Stewardship
BALLAD PLUS is compatible with IPM programs. It is non-toxic to beneficial insects, mites, bees and other non-target organisms.
Formulations
BALLAD PLUS is available in an aqueous suspension formulation. BALLAD PLUS is NOP (National Organic Program) aproved for use on organically produced crops. BALLAD PLUS is OMRI Listed for use in organic production.
Available in 2.5 gallon jugs, BALLAD PLUS may be applied as a foliar spray alone, in alternating spray programs or in tank mixes with other registered crop protection products.
Benefits
BALLAD PLUS efficacy, biological nature, spectrum of activity, compatibility and mode of action make it an ideal tank-mix or rotational partner in a disease management program. BALLAD PLUS has a CAUTION label, with a 4-hour REI and a 0-Day PHI. It can be used prior to harvest without leaving unsightly deposits on fruit and foliage. Besides its safety to humans, plants and the environment, BALLAD PLUS is safe to beneficial insects and mites, thus fitting well into biologically-based pest management programs.