Latitud

Engineering approach to root protection: How Latitude works

The success of winter wheat is determined at the seed treatment stage. The fungicide Latitude (produced by Schirm, applicant Monsanto) is a highly specialized solution for managing eyespot (cercosporella root rot). The product relies on a systemic mode of action designed to block the pathogen before it can cause critical damage to the plant's vascular system.

Technical composition features

The formulation—an emulsion for seed treatment—is specifically engineered to ensure uniform coverage of the seed surface and facilitate the anchoring of active molecules within the pericarp. Due to its systemic properties, the active ingredient is translocated through the seedling, establishing a protective barrier that is vital during the period of intensive root system development.

• Precision impact: The product minimizes risks associated with early-stage infection, providing robust protection against eyespot at the most vulnerable growth stages.
• Application protocol: Efficacy is achieved by strictly adhering to the application rate of 1.6–2 L per tonne of seeds. The restriction to a single treatment is dictated by the high concentration and the long-lasting protective window of the molecule.
• Safety: Classification as a Hazard Class 3 product requires operators to follow standard safety protocols when using seed treatment machinery, adhering to the high standards established for German agrochemical technologies.

The practical value of Latitude lies in reducing crop lodging caused by root zone damage and preserving the plant's tillering potential. This technological solution from Schirm allows for focused protection precisely when and where it is needed, covering critical stages where other fungicides may fail to provide the necessary control over cercosporella mycelium development.