Morrisville, NC (April 14, 2025) – Nufarm announces the launch of Pretium™ SDS, a biological seed treatment proven to protect soybean crops from Red Crown Rot (RCR) and Fusarium virguliforme the causal agent of Sudden Death Syndrome.
Pretium SDS provides stewardship and seed safety attributes surpassing many synthetic seed treatments. The active ingredient, natamycin, is biologically produced by bacteria and classified under Group 48 for ergosterol binding, making it a reliable and effective option for seed treatment. Additionally, it does not cause phytotoxic stress to seedlings, making it an effective option for farmers.
Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is a significant disease affecting soybeans, primarily caused by the soilborne fungus Fusarium virguliforme. It can lead to severe yield losses, sometimes exceeding 50 percent. The disease typically starts with root infection early in the season, but symptoms usually appear later, around late July or early August.
Red crown rot (RCR), caused by the soilborne fungus Calonectria ilicicola, is spreading across the US and becoming an increasing threat to soybean crops. According to Carl Bradley, Plant Pathologist at the University of Kentucky, RCR can cause defoliation, early plant maturity and significant yield losses ranging from 15% to 70%. The fungus thrives in warm, wet conditions and typically infects soybean roots shortly after planting. The disease is particularly severe in a heavy soil type that contains at least 30% clay particles or in fields prone to flooding.
Pretium SDS will be offered as an optional add-on to Nufarm’s Trunemco seed treatment. Trunemco provides management of 14 different parasitic nematodes, including soybean cyst nematodes. This patented biochemical and microbial solution primes plant physiology, activating its defense system to prevent nematode invasion while additional microbial protection supports root health, seedling vigor and uniform plant growth in crucial early stages. Trunemco is proven to provide higher yield profiles across a variety of soil types.
Pretium SDS joins Nufarm’s portfolio of agronomically proven and value-enabled seed treatments to growers across the US. “With Pretium SDS, growers now have access to a biological fungicide for SDS and RCR control that is a perfect complement to Trunemco,” said Jeff Kaiser, Technical Services Manager.
“The combination of Trunemco and Pretium SDS is a potent, biological package designed to address the most important pests soybean growers may face this spring.”
By way of Section 2(ee) recommendation bulletin, Pretium SDS can be used for the suppression of Red Crown Rot in Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and West Virginia, with submissions pending in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
Nufarm is a global crop protection and seeds technologies company that helps farmers and businesses meet the global needs of food, feed, fibre and fuel production. We bring proven agility, capabilities and partnerships to help our customers in a rapidly changing world. Learn more at nufarm.com/usst.
