Ipconazole is a triazole fungicide invented by Kureha that is widely used for seed treatment. Even at low dosages, it is highly effective against seed-borne and soil-borne diseases. In Japan, Ipconazole has since 1994 been sold as a seed treatment fungicide active ingredient for rice under the brand name Techlead-C Flowable by Zen-Noh (the National Federation of Agricultural Co-operative Associations) and Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., and holds a leading market share in that sector. Overseas, Ipconazole is widely used in Europe, North America, Central and South America, and Asia as a seed treatment fungicide active ingredient for such crops as corn, cereals, and soybeans.
Seed treatment is drawing attention as an environment-friendly method to protect crops, and is expected to be more widely used in overseas markets in the future.