Syngenta Offers Sunflower Growers Downy Mildew Defense Solutions For 2015

 

As seed selection time approaches and the threat of downy mildew increases, Syngenta reminds sunflower growers about the importance of defending top-performing hybrids against the threat of this yield-robbing disease. For 2015 planting, Syngenta will offer limited supplies of SY7717 brand sunflower hybrid, a mid-to late-maturing high oleic sunflower hybrid with Clearfield® technology and the most up-to-date genetic tolerance for downy mildew. 

 

“SY7717 carries market-leading genetics for downy mildew tolerance, and when treated with CruiserMaxx® Sunflower plus Bion® insecticide/fungicide seed treatment, a combination of separately registered products, the key genetic tolerance is enhanced and protected,” said Bill Gilbert, product marketing lead, Syngenta. “The addition of a second mode of action against downy mildew provides a resistance management tool for combating the development of disease resistance to genetic tolerance.” 

 

By combining high yielding hybrids like SY7717 with downy mildew genetic tolerance and fungicide protection provided by the addition of Bion, an optional component of CruiserMaxx Sunflower seed treatment, growers can be confident they have a complete seed treatment package to ultimately help them grow more sunflowers. 

 

“Seed treated with CruiserMaxx Sunflower plus Bion has shown an 80 percent reduction in downy mildew incidence compared to untreated seed,” Gilbert said. Bion will be available on both downy mildew and non-downy mildew tolerant hybrids for 2015. 

 

As the high oleic and herbicide tolerant market continues to grow, Syngenta is committed to delivering tailored hybrid options to growers. Syngenta will evaluate two potential sunflower hybrids in trial plots this year. With yield and oil traits similar to 3845 HO and SY7717, both trial hybrids show great potential to become market leading hybrids in the future.