Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is susceptible to diseases of various kinds. Downy mildew is a destructive disease in many sunflower-growing countries. The disease is mainly seed-transmitted in nature. Hence, in the period 2000-2003, a new emulsion form of metalaxyl fungicide, Apron XL-35 E.S., was evaluated for its efficacy as seed dressing in the management of sunflower downy mildew disease at Oilseeds Research Station, Latur (M.S.). The three years of experimentation revealed that Apron XL-35 E.S. when used for seed dressing at 3 ml/kg of seed could effectively manage downy mildew, without phytotoxic effects.