Switch Receives Federal Registration in the U.S.

Switch™ Fungicide Receives Federal Registration in the United States

Product Provides Effective Control of Botrytis cinerea
in Strawberries and Onions

(Greensboro, NC, August 27, 2001) Strawberry and onion growers have a new product for control of one of the most devastating diseases affecting their crops ― Botrytis cinerea. Switch™ 62.5 WG fungicide is now registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for control of B. cinerea in strawberries and onions, as well as Alternaria purple blotch in onions. State registrations are pending in California and Florida.

Switch is a prepack mixture of two novel active ingredients, cyprodinil and fludioxonil. Cyprodinil is the systemic component of the product, which is taken up into the cuticle and waxy layers of leaves and fruits and is distributed to other parts of the plant. Fludioxonil is the residual component of Switch, which stays on the leaf and fruit surfaces to provide contact activity.

“Switch is an effective new tool for growers to use in the fight against Botrytis,” said John Goggin, Syngenta brand manager for Switch. “Because the product contains two active ingredients, it provides users with both contact and systemic activity for a robust level of Botrytis gray mold control,” said Goggin. “This is the product growers have been looking for to prevent the significant losses incurred due to Botrytis.”

In a recent California trial, Switch applied at the use rate of 11 to 14 ounces per acre resulted in better control of Botrytis gray mold on strawberries under severe disease conditions than the current standard alternating program. It also provided long-lasting residual control of seven to 10 days.

“Early trial results indicate Switch also has excellent activity on Anthracnose in strawberries,” said Goggin. “We plan to submit this disease for inclusion on the label as more data becomes available.”

Because of its novel modes of action, Switch demonstrates no cross-resistance among pathogen strains. This, along with its multi-site mode of action, makes Switch an excellent fit for integrated pest management programs. Switch is also compatible with most commonly used fungicides and insecticides.

Registered under EPA’s reduced-risk program, Switch provides growers with the Botrytis control they need in an environmentally compatible, easy-to-use formulation.

Beyond Switch, Syngenta offers strawberry and onion producers the following additional pest solutions that aid in the achievement of maximum quality and yields.

Strawberry Solutions

· Cyclone® Max herbicide

· Gramoxone® Extra/Max herbicide

· Princep® 4L herbicide (OR and WA only)

· Princep® Caliber 90® herbicide (OR and WA only)

· Ridomil Gold® EC fungicide

· Agrimek® insecticide

Onion Solutions

· Fusilade® DX herbicide

· Cyclone® Max herbicide

· Gramoxone® herbicide

· Touchdown® herbicide

· Apron XL® fungicide

· Bravo® fungicide

· Maxim® 4FS fungicide

· Ridomil Gold® fungicide

· Ambush® 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. Pro forma sales in 2000 were approximately US $6.9 billion. Syngenta employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. The company is committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative Research and Technology. Formed in November 2000 by the merger of Novartis Agribusiness and Zeneca Agrochemicals, Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange, and in London, New York and Stockholm.