Despite RootShield's ability to eat pathogenic fungi, it is not considered an eradicant or rescue treatment. If it is applied early, before the onset of root disease infection, it will be very effective. If root disease pressure is high or disease does get into the roots, conventional chemicals can be applied without harming RootShield®. It is compatible with most horticultural inputs such as fertilizers, algaecides, insecticides, disinfectants, insecticides, miticides, preemergence herbicides, most fungicides, and growth regulators. If any of these are tank-mixed with RootShield WP, use the mixture immediately. As an interesting side note, when the cleanliness of incoming starter plant material is unknown, RootShield WP can be tank-mixed with Subdue® Maxx, resulting in a very effective "1-2 punch." A few fungicides, most notably TerraGuard® and Banner®, can potentially slow down initial colonization, so should be applied 7 to 10 days before or after a RootShield application.
 
RootShield provides other benefits to plants, and while not considered by BioWorks to be its primary selling points, are interesting. For example, researchers have documented that RootShield, like some other root biofungicides, will solubilize certain inorganic nutrients like manganese, zinc and rock phosphate. Research also indicates that RootShield may provide systemic acquired resistance to certain diseases. Root growth in some cases is increased. The occurrence of these reported benefits varies with crop type and growers' cultural practices. 
 
A RootShield application is effective for approximately 10 to 12 weeks. Due to microbial competition, the RootShield concentration slowly declines to levels below which root disease prevention is considered ideal. A half-rate reapplication of RootShield WP can be made (2 oz/100 gal) to boost RootShield levels on the plant's root system and continue effective root disease prevention for an additional 10 to 12 weeks.
 
Subdue® Maxx and Banner® are registered trademarks of Syngenta Investment Corporation. TerraGuard® is a registered trademark of Uniroyal Chemical Company, Inc.