UK brassica growers will now be able to grow "greener greens" following the approval for the Syngenta fungicide 'Amistar' to control a broad-spectrum of key diseases that affect yield and leaf quality in a range of outdoor brassica crops. The crops covered include cabbage, Brussels sprouts, collards (spring greens), calabrese, cauliflower, kale (winter greens) and broccoli. Diseases covered by the label recommendation are the economically important White blister, Ring spot and Alternaria. Trials have also shown useful activity on Sclerotinia, Botrytis, Downy mildew, Powdery mildew and Light leaf spot. All of these diseases result in damage to crops in the field which results in waste.
Brussels sprout trials have shown reduced wastage more than 100-fold over an untreated crop, with yield increased by a kilo per 10 plants compared to a conventional treatment programme. In addition, Brussels sprouts are visually greener and more attractive for consumers, with a significantly improved shelf life that is of real value to packers and retailers.
Field wastage in brassica crop production and losses through the value chain costs UK growers an estimated £10 million a year and results in wasted land that could be used to grow other crops. Market demands and specifications for clean, high quality produce are getting ever more rigorous. Growers now have the opportunity to significantly enhance both yield and crop quality using Syngenta technology.
For more information on our UK Crop Protection products visit www.syngenta-crop.co.uk
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