Greensboro, North Carolina
June 5,  2001

Syngenta Crop Protection announced today that its new CALLISTO(TM) corn herbicide has received registration from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under its reduced-risk pesticide program. 

CALLISTO(TM) is registered as a post-emergence corn herbicide and may be applied from crop emergence. Developed from naturally occurring compounds, CALLISTO(TM) demonstrates excellent crop safety, a favorable environmental profile, a wide window of application and a low use rate. Syngenta also received approval for the sale of CALLISTO(TM) in Germany and Austria in late 2000, and in France and Holland in May 2001. 

"Approval of CALLISTO in the USA is a major milestone for Syngenta," said John Atkin, chief operating officer of Syngenta Crop Protection. "CALLISTO has a unique profile and offers exceptional control of a wide spectrum of broadleaf weeds affecting corn." 

The US market represents approximately 70 percent of the global corn herbicide market. 

The active ingredient in CALLISTO(TM) is mesotrione, a synthetic relative of natural herbicides produced by the Callistemon citrinus plant. 

Syngenta (NYSE: SYT) is a world leading agribusiness. The company ranks first in crop protection, and third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Pro forma sales in 2000 were approximately US $6.9 billion. Syngenta employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. The company is committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative Research and Technology. Formed in November 2000 by the merger of Novartis Agribusiness and Zeneca Agrochemicals, Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange, and in London, New York and Stockholm. Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.  

Company news release
N3565