Cruiser® seed treatment insecticide from Syngenta Crop Protection has received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for an expanded range of application rates in potatoes. 

“The new rate structure for Cruiser will help growers respond to insect pressure on their farms,” said Jerry Johnson, crop manager for Syngenta Seed Treatment. “The flexibility to apply Cruiser depending on the situation will help growers to maximize efficiency.”

Included in the new rate structure is increased flexibility within specific seeding rates, allowing for a customized response to the level of pest pressure.  Also, there are more detailed recommendations for lower seeding rates (16-20 cwt/A).  Please refer to your local Syngenta representative or the recently approved label for specific use instructions.

Cruiser offers long-lasting, broad-spectrum protection from potato insect pests including aphids, Colorado potato beetle, leafhoppers, potato psyllid, flea beetles, leafminers, whiteflies and wireworm (seed piece protection). Leafminers and whiteflies are new insects to the label.  Cruiser protects the entire plant from economically damaging pests and the diseases they commonly vector by offering targeted pest protection and uniform results from day one.

Thiamethoxam, the active ingredient in Cruiser, is rapidly translocated throughout the plant, providing protection through both contact and stomach activity.  Treated insects show some unique behavioral responses after exposure. Symptoms start 15 to 30 minutes after uptake in aphids and Colorado potato beetle.  Feeding is irreversibly stopped; sucking insects withdraw their stylets, stretch their legs and move their antennae forward. Therefore, insect damage stops shortly after treatment. Death of the insect may occur within a few hours for some species, or require as long as 48 hours for others.

Cruiser is just one option from Syngenta’s thiamethoxam portfolio for potatoes.  Platinum® in-furrow insecticide, Platinum® Ridomil Gold® combination insecticide/fungicide, and Actara® foliar insecticide provide even more flexibility and convenience to fit the individual farming operations. 

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 2005 were approximately $8.1 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). 

Important: Always read and follow label instructions before buying or using any of these products.
Actara®, Cruiser®, Platinum®, Platinum® Ridomil Gold® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.
Cruiser is not registered for sale or use in New York State.