Basel, Switzerland
February 22, 2012

• Taking the next step in maximizing yield, requires a holistic view of the plant, including roots
• Healthy roots lead to stronger crops and higher, more stable yield
• Root Health is a promising research area for next-level crop productivity improvement

Research increasingly turns its attention to healthy roots as an underdeveloped area for optimizing crop productivity. To highlight this important new research direction, a White Paper on Root Health, authored by Gina M. Swart, Global Technical Manager, Product Biology Fungicides with Syngenta in Basel, explores the link between robust, healthy root systems, plant performance and higher yield.

“Changes in agriculture worldwide – including increased demand for food and biofuel – require new strategies to improve crop yield. We view focus on Root Health as the next area for research to gain critical crop productivity improvement” comments Christian Schlatter, Global Seed Care Asset Manager with Syngenta. “Syngenta is at the forefront of a worldwide research platform on Root Health, bringing together leading experts around the world.”

“Hidden underground, roots make one of the biggest contributions to crop performance”, comments Gina Swart. At the interface between plant and soil, they are responsible for the uptake of water and nutrients, playing a critical role in all crop development stages.

However, they are under attack from often invisible soil-borne pathogens that compromise Root Health. “Syngenta scientists have learned that a simple act like effectively protecting crop roots from disease can have an enormous impact. It unlocks greater potential within the root system, leading to stronger stems and foliage that can better withstand environmental stress”, summarizes Gina Swart. “Ultimately this leads to higher and more stable yield”.

“Root Health is an area with great opportunity for further research that will result in new solutions underneath the soil line,” comments Christian Schlatter. “Syngenta researchers are already applying this knowledge through new seed treatment advancements that have rooting power.”

Click HERE to see the White Paper on Root Health on the SeedQuest web site.
 

Website: http://www.seedquest.com/id/s/syngentacropprotectionag.htm

Published: February 21, 2012