Syngenta Thrive - 4Q/2013 - 23

“There is a clear need for new strategies, especially if the industry
continues to phase out fumigants as an accepted management tool.
The development of advanced fungicides is the gateway to ensuring
root health and crop establishment.”
—JIM ADASKAVEG

tool,” says Adaskaveg. “The development
of advanced fungicides is the gateway to
ensuring root health and crop establishment.”
Cochran’s team is taking a close look at
one disease and one fungicide in particular.
“A point of emphasis for us has been to
increase awareness that managing a disease
like Phytophthora early in the season is critical
for crops,” he says. “Using the right material,
such as Ridomil Gold® SL fungicide, can
control this damaging pathogen and protect
the genetic potential of the plant.”
Near Watsonville, Calif., Jose Cabrera, a
Syngenta agronomic service representative on
Cochran’s team, recently completed a
Phytophthora study to measure the effects of
Ridomil Gold on strawberry plants. Preliminary
results show a noticeable advantage on the
treated versus the untreated plants from an
overall root-health and root-mass perspective.
“We have seen similar results in other crops
like citrus,” Cabrera says. “As growers seek
ways to increase stress tolerance in their fields
and improve crop establishment, a healthy root
system that sustains vigorous growth is an
excellent defense against soil pests and
pathogens. We’re pleased that our studies are
quantifying the benefits of using Ridomil Gold
as a way to manage one of the most devastating plant diseases.”
The Root of the Matter
When it comes to early-season crop
establishment, Syngenta research shows
that root health is a key component. Strong,
healthy root systems lead to more efficient
water and nutrient uptake, as well as stronger
stems and foliage that better withstand
environmental stress.
As Cabrera’s study indicates, the effective
use of fungicides can lead to healthier roots.
Also playing integral roles are seeds with
built-in genetic disease-management packages and seed treatments, which provide
protection against nematodes, diseases and
other root-damaging pests.

Just because roots are out-of-sight
does not mean they should be out of mind,
Cochran notes. “Numerous factors beyond
what a grower can see impact crop
establishment and root health,” he says.
“An integrated approach that includes the
right mix of seed, seed treatment and crop
protection solutions can give crops the
boost they need to start strong and the
advantage growers must have to stay ahead
of the curve.”

Transplants You Can Count On
Through its seed, seed treatment and crop
protection portfolios, Syngenta addresses crop
establishment at each level of plant development—even at the transplant level with its
unique Full Count® watermelon plant program.
Working with a nationwide network of
preferred greenhouse producers, Syngenta
provides growers who enlist in the program
with the precise number of watermelon
transplants they order. Growers then pay for
their orders, based on the total volume of plants
they purchase.
“Instead of selling them seeds, we sell
growers the exact number of high-performing
transplants they need—guaranteed,” says Craig
Mathis, a Syngenta Full Count field specialist.
These top-quality transplants, which are
grown from leading Syngenta seed genetics,
are conveniently ready-to-go from the tray to
the field.
For more information on Full Count,
go to www.vegetables.syngenta-us
.com and click on “Watermelon,”
then “Programs.”

Top to bottom: Crop Manager Rory
Odegaard with Plant Sciences Inc.,
inspects strawberry plants near
Watsonville, Calif.; a healthy
seedling from the Full Count ®
watermelon plant program is ready
for transplanting into the field.
syng enta thr ive.com | 21
Syngenta Thrive - 4Q/2013

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