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Portage la Prairie, Manitoba,
Canada
November 28, 2008
Results from the
Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc. AMA Test pilot program
indicate that Axial® may still be effective on many fields
affected by Group 1 resistance.
Many Western Canadian growers suspect that their fields have
Group 1 resistance. With no way to identify the specific
resistance mutations occurring in their fields, many have been
forced to abandon use of all Group 1 herbicides, including
Axial.
In response to this problem, Syngenta developed its new AMA Test
– the only use-anytime rapid Group 1 resistance test.
In July 2008, Syngenta announced the pilot program of the AMA
test, which stands for ACCase Mutation Analysis. The AMA test
reveals the presence or absence of the three gene mutations that
confer resistance to all Group 1 herbicides, thereby allowing
growers to determine whether or not they have Group 1 resistance
at the gene level and in a quantitative manner, so they can make
smart weed management decisions for their fields.
This year’s pilot program revealed that Axial would still be an
effective herbicide for many of the fields where resistance was
suspected.
In-season testing was carried out on 65 fields, prior to
treatment with any herbicide. Only fields suspected to have
Group 1 resistance were tested. Of the fields tested, 31 per
cent (20 fields) had no wild oats resistant to Axial. A further
44 per cent (29 fields) had low levels of resistance where Axial
could still be effectively used as part of a mode of action
rotation. Only 25 per cent (16 fields) had more than 20 per cent
of the wild oat population resistant to all Group 1 herbicides
and required alternatives.
“Testing suspected resistant plants before the season is a great
tool for farmers,” says Derek Cornes, Syngenta brand manager.
“All of the fields we tested were suspected to be resistant to
all Group 1 herbicides, limiting the producer’s options and
putting significant pressure on the remaining modes of action.
In 75 per cent of the cases, we were able to recommend Axial (a
Group 1 herbicide) as part of the management system. With
sensible mode of action rotations, these producers can now have
a sustainable weed management system.”
This initiative is part of the Syngenta ‘Great Canadian Stand’
strategy, which encourages growers to take an integrated
approach to pest management, incorporating best practices and
using pesticides and other technology wisely. “The successful
pilot of the AMA test will allow for further expansion of the
test in future years,” explains Cornes. “For 2009 our goal is to
offer the test to more producers on a commercial basis. This
supports the Great Canadian Stand strategy by giving growers the
information they need to implement the right pest management
strategies for their crops.”
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
2007 were approximately $9.2 billion. Syngenta employs over
21,000 people in more than 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on
the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT). Further
information is available at
www.syngenta.com.
® AXIAL and the Syngenta logo are registered trademarks of a
Syngenta Group Company. |
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