WinField United BioVerified™ Designation: What New Releases Can Do for You

It’s a new year, and you’re probably preparing for a strong start to the 2025 planting season. We’re excited to introduce three new biological products that can help support those efforts. Ascend® ST3™ plant growth regulator (PGR), Dash™ PBC and Dash™ PBS planter box seed treatments will be available for the 2025 planting season and have received the WinField United BioVerified™ designation, vetting their plant health benefits. Here’s an overview of each product and tips for integrating biologicals successfully into your farming practices.

Ascend ST3 PGR: Stress Mitigation from the Start

What is Ascend ST3 Plant Growth Regulator (PGR)?

Ascend ST3 PGR is formulated for seed-treatment applications on crops like soybeans, wheat and cotton. It helps mitigate early-season stress, promote even emergence and encourage robust root development — which can ultimately help increase yield potential.

How Does It Work?

Ascend ST3 PGR shares the same active ingredients as Ascend² PGR but in a unique ratio tailored for seed- treatment applications. The patented ratio of auxin, gibberellic acid and cytokinin in Ascend ST3 PGR helps mitigate early season stress and maximize yield potential by delivering the right amount of PGRs at the right time. It stimulates root and shoot development for faster emergence so the plant can begin harnessing photosynthetic energy earlier in the season. While Ascend² PGR targets in-furrow applications for corn, Ascend ST3 PGR is optimized for seed treatments in soybeans and other crops. 

When Should You Use Ascend ST3 PGR?

Ascend ST3 PGR works best as an add-on to a base fungicide/insecticide/inoculant seed treatment, forming a complete defense and offense system to protect emerging seedlings. Work with your local retailer to incorporate Ascend ST3 PGR into your seed-treatment blend for soybeans, wheat or cotton to enhance yield potential. 

WinField United trial data showed that Ascend ST3 PGR increased soybean yield in conjunction with a fungicide/insecticide seed treatment in high-yield environments and in locations with a positive yield result, provided a 2.7 bushel per acre average positive response compared to a standard fungicide/insecticide seed treatment.¹ 

Key Benefits:
•    Improved Root Development: Encourages stronger root systems for better nutrient uptake.
•    Even Emergence: Helps crops emerge uniformly, setting the stage for a successful growing season.
•    Compatibility: Works seamlessly with inoculants and other seed treatment products.
•    Low Use Rate: Optimal handling and drying.

Dash: Dual-Function Seed Lubricant with Biological Benefits

What is Dash Planter Box Seed Treatment?

Dash planter box seed treatment is a biological seed treatment available in two formulations: Dash PBC for corn and Dash PBS for soybeans. Designed as a planter box seed treatment, it combines seed lubrication benefits with beneficial microbial enhancements. Think of it as an upgrade to traditional talc and graphite products—with added perks.

How Does It Work?

Dash corn and soybean planter box seed treatments were designed with convenience in mind; add Dash PBS or Dash PBC to your planter box, mix, and you’re ready to go. Each crop-specific seed-treatment formulation includes eight synergistic microbial strains, including nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus-solubilizing microbes and essential amino acids, creating a thriving environment for early plant development. Dash PBC and Dash PBS support microbial nutrient release to improve early-season nutrient uptake and improves germination, helping plants get a strong start. Its seed lubrication benefits help ensure smooth seed flow for optimal planting.

When Should You Use Dash Planter Box Seed Treatment?

Dash planter box seed treatment can replace traditional talc and graphite lubricant products you may already use to maintain seed flow. In addition to providing outstanding seed lubrication and seed flow at planting with up to 95% reduced dust compared to 80/20 talc/graphite, Dash planter box seed treatment products also offer exceptional early-season plant health benefits.²
Key Benefits:
•    Enhanced Seed Flow: Helps eliminate friction and improve planting efficiency.
•    Early Plant Development: Provides biological support for nutrient uptake and robust growth.
•    Easy Handling: Simple application directly in the planter box.
•    Versatility: Suitable for corn and soybeans, replacing standard seed lubricants.

Tips If You’re New to Biologicals

If you’re interested in exploring biologicals like Ascend ST3 PGR and Dash this season, here are some practical tips to help ensure success.

•    Start with the Fundamentals: Before investing in biologicals, ensure you have solid foundational practices in place. Solid plant genetics, a robust fertility plan, weed-free fields and proper planting practices set the stage for these products to deliver their full potential.

•    Test and Learn: Biologicals are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Conduct small-scale trials on your farm to see how these products perform under your specific field conditions. Work closely with your trusted agronomic advisor to evaluate results.

•    Understand Placement and Timing: Environmental factors play a significant role in biological performance. With help from your agronomic advisor, determine the best application method, product and timing for your operation.

•    Focus on ROI: Use biologicals strategically on high-potential fields where you seek incremental yield increases. Gradually expand to more acres as you gain confidence in their performance.

Keeping Up with the Biologicals Market

As biological products evolve, you may find yourself overwhelmed with options. The WinField United BioVerified designation can help you manage information overload with a vetted list of top-performing biological products. Products on the list have been tested and rated in field and/or laboratory trials against four key criteria that matter to you: product uniqueness, solid agronomics, operational compatibility and economic return. For more information or to get started with WinField United BioVerified products, contact your WinField United retailer. 
<sub>All photos are either the property of WinField United or used with permission. 
¹ Winfield United Trials 2019, 2020 and 2022, n=19, p-value 0.04
² WinField United Innovation Center trial. 

© 2025 WinField United. Important: Before use always read and follow label instructions. Crop performance is dependent on several factors many of which are beyond the control of WinField United, including without limitation, soil type, pest pressures, agronomic practices and weather conditions. Growers are encouraged to consider data from multiple locations, over multiple years and to be mindful of how such agronomic conditions could impact results. Ascend, Ascend ST3, BioVerified, Dash, and WinField are trademarks of WinField United. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.</sub>