Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
August 27, 2009
Source: Seeds of Progress newsletter, Syngenta Seed Care
It's official - Syngenta Seed Care has introduced Avicta® Complete Corn, a combination of Avicta seed treatment nematicide, an increased rate of Cruiser® seed treatment insecticide, and Apron® XL, Maxim® XL® and Dynasty® seed treatment fungicides for unique triple protection against early-season pests including nematodes, insects and diseases.
Avicta seed treatment, the nematicide component of Avicta Complete Corn, provides immediate protection against all major early-season nematode species, including root-knot, stubby-root, sting, dagger, ring, stunt, spiral, needle, lesion and lance nematodes. The effective early protection promotes stronger stands and emergence, and provides a jump-start for better yield and return on investment potential.
Nematode protection in corn is more essential than ever due to recent changes in production practices. The increase in corn-on-corn production and no-till farming has provided a more ideal environment for nematodes. Past practices of soil-applied organophosphate and carbamate insecticides helped to suppress nematodes and minimize populations to the point that damage went unnoticed when these materials were used for insect protection. However, the switch to pyrethroid insecticides and the introduction of CRW-traited corn have allowed nematodes to prosper.
It is imperative for growers to be informed because damage caused by corn nematodes is difficult to identify and often misdiagnosed. Symptoms such as chlorosis, stunting, root damage, root galling and yield loss can be mistaken for herbicide injury, disease, micronutrient deficiencies or the result of harsh environmental conditions such as drought. Oftentimes there are no visual symptoms, but yield and profit potential are impacted.
Avicta Complete Corn is more than just a nematicide. It also provides the superior insect and disease protection that is essential for a healthy corn crop. The increased rate of Cruiser seed treatment insecticide (0.50 mg ai/seed) targets pests from emergence through the first weeks of development, providing consistent and reliable protection against a wide range of early-season insects. Additionally the broad-spectrum disease protection of Apron XL, Maxim XL and Dynasty seed treatment fungicides provides superior protection against the most damaging seed- and soil-borne disease pathogens in corn. The complete protection of Avicta Complete Corn allows each seed an optimum chance to reach its full genetic potential.
The Proof is in the Fields
Syngenta Seed Care has performed extensive research to provide a clear picture of nematode impact on corn production. In 2007, Syngenta Seed Care initiated a survey of corn nematode populations throughout the Midwest. Surveyors took three random soil/root samples in each county of the Midwestern Corn Belt with at least 25,000 acres of corn. Five university labs and one private lab processed the samples and determined that corn-damaging nematodes were found in every county sampled. These results provide a clear idea of why everyone should be cognizant of this risk.
The premium protection of Avicta Complete Corn offers an impressive yield advantage that has been displayed by extensive field trials. In 2008, a set of 35 large-block side-by-side on-farm trials were conducted by private consultants in Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota. In these trials, the yield advantage of Avicta Complete Corn averaged 8.7 bushels per acre above Cruiser Extreme® 250 insecticide/fungicide seed treatment. Large block testing will continue throughout 2009 allowing seed companies the opportunity to test and demonstrate Avicta Complete Corn.
The potential for nematode damage also has been well documented in the South. Most of the nematodes present in Southern cotton fields, including two of the most damaging nematodes in cotton production, the root-knot nematode and lance nematode, also are threats to corn acreage planted in the South.
Important: Always read and follow label instructions before buying or using Syngenta products.
Avicta® Duo Corn is a Restricted Use Pesticide. For use by certified applicators only. Growers planting Avicta Duo Corn treated seed are not required to be certified applicators.
Avicta® technology is protected by U.S. Patent No. 6875727, and other patents and pending patent applications in the U.S. and other countries.
Avicta Complete Corn is a promotional combination of separately registered products containing Avicta Duo Corn nematicide/insecticide and one or more of the following: Cruiser insecticide, Apron XL, Maxim XL and/or Dynasty fungicide(s). Cruiser Extreme 250 is a seed company-applied promotional combination of four active ingredients that deliver 0.25 mg ai/seed of Cruiser (thiamethoxam) plus three fungicides: Apron XL®, Maxim® XL and Dynasty®.
Avicta®, Apron XL®, Cruiser®, Cruiser Extreme®, Dynasty®, Maxim XL®, Syngenta Seed Care™ and the Syngenta logo are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.
