For the 2006 growing season, Syngenta Seeds is introducing Agrisure™ corn traits that allow growers to take control of their crop input decisions by providing excellent built-in herbicide tolerance and insect protection in elite hybrids, with a full range of assurances that don’t limit a grower’s glyphosate brand selection.  Agrisure GT (glyphosate tolerant), Agrisure CB (season-long corn borer protection) and Agrisure GT/CB – a stacked combination of these two proven traits -- will be available in corn hybrids from NK® Brand, Garst®, Golden Harvest® and more than 50 other seed brands.

“With Agrisure traits, growers are free to choose what inputs to use to maximize their corn profit potential,” says Jack Bernens, Head, Syngenta Seeds Agrisure Traits.  “Agrisure traits are also backed by proven technology and a full range of industry-leading crop assurances, regardless of glyphosate brand applied.” 

Agrisure traits are supported by Replant and Trait/Crop Loss Assurances, which protect growers from investment loss due to poor crop establishment that results in crop replanting or crop loss; and a Trait Investment Loss Assurance that protects growers from losses prior to planting.  Hybrids with Agrisure GT also come with a Volunteer GT Corn Assurance that manages volunteer Agrisure GT corn in the following year’s glyphosate tolerant soybean rotation.

Agrisure traits to be available in 2006 are:

• Agrisure GT, through the proven GA21 event, provides exceptional tolerance to in-crop applications of glyphosate-based herbicides, at even six times the labeled rate.

• Agrisure CB helps hybrids reach maximum yields through excellent control of European corn borer, with the added benefit of tolerance to LIBERTY® herbicide. Hybrids that feature Agrisure CB technology have shown an average yield advantage of more than seven bushels per acre versus non-Bt versions of the same hybrid. 

• Agrisure GT/CB provides the combined benefits of Agrisure GT and Agrisure CB by stacking these proven technologies (glyphosate tolerance and Bt corn borer protection) into a single hybrid.

“Growers are striving for more control in corn crop management so they can maximize yields and profitability,” Bernens says. “Agrisure traits provide exceptional, proven crop protection technology in elite hybrids with an incredible amount of control by allowing for flexibility in the grower’s input decisions. Additionally, growers who plant these traits are automatically eligible for Syngenta’s AgriEdge™ Corn program, which provides unprecedented, innovative weed and insect management options with additional assurances and techniques to protect yield.”

Syngenta continues to expand its broad portfolio of crop protection chemistry, genetics and traits and is anticipating the launch of Agrisure™ RW* (MIR604 event) for the 2007 planting season.  Agrisure RW, which offers excellent, built-in control of corn rootworms, will be placed in leading Syngenta genetics, utilizing an industry-leading trait conversion process that helps corn hybrids to achieve their highest yield potential. The Agrisure RW trait is one of many new products in development through Syngenta biotech research and development.

Further information on all Agrisure corn traits is available at www.agrisuretraits.com

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2004 were approximately $7.3 billion. Syngenta employs some 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.

* Agrisure RW, Event MIR 604, is not currently registered for sale or use in the United States and is therefore not being offered for sale.  This communications does not constitute an offer for sale.  This product will not be offered for sale until the EPA has approved registration and all necessary authorizations have been granted.

NKÒ, AgriEdge™, Agrisure™, and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.
Garst® is a registered trademark of Garst Seed Company.
Golden Harvest® is a registered trademark of Golden Harvest Seed Company.