Novel chemistry technologies, from Syngenta Australia, were showcased at the GrowMore event held in Bundaberg, Queensland.

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HORTICULTURAL agronomists, from as far afield as Western Australia and South Australia, were taken through various Syngenta crop protection solutions on a range of crops that included tomatoes, capsicums and melons.

For many it was an opportunity to have their first look at the new nematicide which is currently under evaluation by the APVMA.

VANIVA® nematicide will initially be registered for management of root-knot nematodes in cucurbit and fruiting vegetable crops.

Growers will be able to treat their soil as a single application via a drip or trickle irrigation system.

Syngenta Technical Services Lead, Dr Shaun Hood, said VANIVA® nematicide offers growers a clear alternative for the management of nematodes.

“Nematodes are a huge problem in many horticultural areas of Australia and often products such as soil fumigants are used to try to manage these pests,” he said.

“The challenge with soil fumigants is that they are not targeted to just plant parasitic nematodes. They also take out a wide range of other living organisms.”

“Soil fumigants can have a detrimental effect on these organisms and Syngenta was keen to look at how VANIVA® nematicide compared.”

Dr Neil Wilson, of Metagen Australia, addressed the GrowMore attendees on a trial project he conducted on how VANIVA® nematicide interacted with the soil after application.

The project analysed the soil samples prior to application and at intervals in the weeks that followed.

Dr Hood said the findings showed that there was a low impact on beneficial organisms as a result of the VANIVA® nematicide treatment.

“This is in stark contrast to a soil fumigant application which eliminates many of the beneficial organisms in the soil.

“The targeted way VANIVA® nematicide manages nematodes but leaves beneficial organisms in the soil is an extension of the IPM principles currently being used by growers in their crops above the ground.”

Agronomists at GrowMore were able to look at the efficacy of VANIVA® nematicide to provide confidence in the lead-up to pending registration. There were also other pipeline products viewed and discussed.

Dr Hood said Syngenta had hosted GrowMore field days for many seasons to showcase and launch new products to the Australian horticultural industry.

“It was also attended by Syngenta personnel from research, sales, marketing and other divisions to signify the importance of their relationship with the industry.

“This year’s event attracted people from all over Australia and the feedback was very positive regarding this novel nematicide and the information provided,” he said.

“It is an ideal way to showcase new technologies in the lead-up to release.”

Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalising rural communities. To learn more visit www.syngenta.com.au and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter at www. twitter.com/SyngentaANZ