Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 9, 2003, revised May 1, 2003

- Seed treatment as effective as soil insecticides or rootworm traits

Syngenta Seeds has expanded the NK® Brand and Force® ST Value Guarantee program to include comparison with the new YieldGard® rootworm insect-protected technology. The program now guarantees that planting NK Brand hybrids with Force ST insecticide applied with ProShield® technology will provide comparable yields as hybrids receiving in-furrow corn rootworm (CRW) insecticide treatments or those containing a CRW resistance trait.

To participate in the Force ST Value Guarantee program, growers must register by June 15, 2003. Growers need to plant at least 12 units of each hybrid on the same day using the same planting rates in the same number of rows in a side-by-side trial with all other agronomic conditions equivalent. If a hybrid with in-furrow insecticide treatment or the Monsanto YieldGard corn rootworm trait out yields the
NK Brand hybrid treated with Force ST, the cost of the seed treatment on the NK Brand product will be refunded.

"We recognize growers' needs for convenient and effective control of rootworm, plus many other secondary pests," said Marc Hennen, corn marketing manager for Syngenta Seeds. "Expanding our guarantee program, which has been in place for three years, to include YieldGard corn rootworm allows growers to do their own testing for yield and management efficiencies."

Hennen remarked, even with the availability of new technology, agronomists continue to recommend basing hybrid decisions on the whole genetic package rather than just one trait. For example, growers should choose a hybrid with the best agronomic performance for their field situation and management practices, as well as choosing different maturities to spread risk. Choosing a seed treatment, insect control trait or in-furrow insecticide then rounds out the package.

"Force ST treatment gives very good control of corn rootworm, seedcorn maggot, white grub and wireworm," Hennen said. "Put that treatment on an NK Brand Bt hybrid for integrated control of European corn borer and you have the most convenient, broad spectrum insect control program in the industry. Plus, this combination has no export limitations to the European Union, unlike the YieldGard corn rootworm trait.""

For more information about NK Brand Seeds products and programs, including registration forms for the Force ST value guarantee, visit their Web site at www.nk-us.com .

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness. The company is a leader in crop protection and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2002 were approximately US $6.2 billion. Syngenta employs some 20,000 people in over 90 countries. The company is committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in London (SYA), New York (SYT) and Stockholm (SYN).

NK®, Force® ST and ProShield® are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.
YieldGard® is a trademark of Monsanto.