New DuPont™ Refine® SG herbicide has received regulatory approval and will be available to cereal growers for the 2006 growing season.

Refine® SG is part of a new generation of sulfonylurea herbicides that are powered by Solumax™ soluble granule technology.  “This unique new technology delivers a number of important benefits to growers,” says DuPont Canada Cereals and Oilseeds Product Manager, Travis Schoonbaert. “Refine® SG is rapidly absorbed into the plant for consistent weed control; it is rainfast in just one hour; and sprayer clean-out is faster, easier and more consistent, so there is less risk of tank-residue concerns on subsequently sprayed crops like peas or canola.”

Refine® SG controls or suppresses a total of 28 hard-to-kill broadleaf weeds, including 16/17 of the “worst weeds of the west” or those annual broadleaf weeds growers spray for most often according to Stratus Market Research. “Refine® SG controls more of these key weeds than other broadleaf herbicides on the market today,” comments Schoonbaert. “It controls a number of weeds that other herbicides miss, like narrow-leaved hawk’s-beard, flixweed, hemp-nettle and chickweed.”

In addition to this broad spectrum of weed control, the improved plant absorption delivers consistent results. “In field research in Canada over three years, Refine® SG performed with great consistency over a wide range of environmental conditions,” comments Bill Summers, Registration and Development Manager for DuPont Canada.

In particular, Refine® SG studies showed exceptional results on large wild buckwheat plants and other hard-to-kill weeds. At the same time, it showed excellent compatibility with 16 different tank-mix options and did not antagonize wild oat herbicides.

“Growers who had a chance to try Refine® SG in trials last summer are as excited about it as we are,” Schoonbaert says.

Keith Johnson from Wainwright, Alberta, a 3300-acre pedigreed seed grower says, “I would say Refine® SG is the most positive product that we’ve used in a long time. We’re certainly looking forward to it. We’re going to utilize it because it’s the perfect fit for our operation.”

The improved weed absorption of Refine® SG is a major benefit to Johnson. “The time frame to start to see it working has been shortened considerably. There were even some weeds in there that normally are tougher to get but the product did an excellent job,” he says.

Refine® SG is a dry herbicide that works like a liquid – dissolving completely into a clear solution when mixed with water. As a result, Refine® SG won’t settle-out in the spray tank, less active adheres to the sides of the tank and particles won’t clog nozzles or become trapped in filters or other pinch points.

“Refine® SG tank-mixing was certainly far superior,” Johnson confirms. “It dissolved very readily in the tank.”

The active ingredients, thifensulfuron methyl and tribenuron methyl, break down quickly in soil so there are no re-cropping restrictions the following year.

Refine® SG builds on the long-standing popularity and success of Refine Extra®. It is one of five new products that DuPont will be bringing to western cereal growers in 2006.

DuPont Canada Crop Protection supplies a full range of crop protection products. For more information about Refine® SG, Solumax™ soluble granule technology or any other DuPont product, call the DuPont Support Centre at 1-800-667-3925 or visit the Web site www.dupont.ca/ag.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

Note: photos of wild buckwheat control available upon request.

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Always read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™, Refine Extra®, Refine® SG and Solumax™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada.

For more information, please contact:

Joanne Hewitson
Marketing Communications Manager
E. I. du Pont Canada Company
Phone: 905-821-5595

Karen Sample
McCormick Company
Phone : 519-475-4769