Platinum and Actara Insecticides Registered for California

Platinum™ and Actara™ Insecticides Registered for California

Broad Spectrum, Fast Acting Solutions to Help Maximize Quality and Yield

Greensboro, N.C. (March 14, 2002) California growers have two new insecticides to control a wide variety of pests in numerous vegetable crops. Platinum™ soil insecticide and Actara™ foliar insecticide, from Syngenta, have been registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for control of sucking and chewing pests in fruiting and cucurbit vegetables.

“Growers have been looking for a consistent pre-plant and at-planting material that results in excellent pest control,” says Coby Long, insecticide brand manager with Syngenta. “Platinum and Actara offer a new choice for a fast-acting, broad spectrum insecticide that is compatible with integrated pest management programs.”

Platinum and Actara both contain the active ingredient thiamethoxam, a second generation neonicotinoid insecticide. Thiamethoxam possesses unique chemical properties, which result in excellent control of many sucking and chewing pests, such as aphids, whiteflies, flea beetles and pepper weevils, on a wide variety of crops. Thiamethoxam works by interfering with a unique receptor site in an insect’s nervous system upon contact.

“Both of these products offer growers a solution that will control unwanted pests while keeping beneficial insects working for you,” says Long. Platinum and Actara are not known to be cross-resistantcross-resistant to other insecticide classes such as organophosphates, carbamates or pyrethroids. Studies do indicate a low likelihood of cross-resistance with other neonicotinoid products. Use of sound resistance management practices is recommended.

Platinum may be applied in-furrow, drench, lay-by or through a low-pressure drip irrigation. It offers rapid movement through the soil, quick uptake by plant roots and systemic movement throughout the plant. Platinum may be applied at 5 to 8 ounces per acre.

In contrast, Actara is a foliar applied insecticide that is rainfast as soon as it dries. It provides rapid trans-stemic movement into the plant, which is the combination of translaminar and locally systemic action in one product. Actara may be applied by air or ground at 2 to 4 ounces per acre. For fruiting vegetables, up to 8 ounces may be applied per acre per season.

“The flexible application options offer growers a solution that can be tailored to each crop and farm,” says Long. “Platinum and Actara represent Syngenta’s commitment to continued development of new insecticides to meet growers needs.”

For more information on Platinum, Actara and other products from Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., contact your local Syngenta representative or visit www.syngentacropprotection.com.

Beyond Platinum and Actara, Syngenta also offers California vegetable growers the following pest solutions that maximize quality and yields.

Bravo® fungicide

Quadris® fungicide

Ridomil Gold® EC fungicide

Dual MAGNUM® herbicide

Eptam® herbicide

Fusilade® DX herbicide

Agri-Mek® miticide/insecticide

Ambush® insecticide

Fulfill® insecticide

Proclaim® insecticide

Trigard® insecticide

Warrior® insecticide

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness. The company ranks first in crop protection, and third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2001 were approximately US $6.3 billion. Syngenta employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. The company is committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative Research and Technology. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange and in London, New York and Stockholm.