With the registration of three innovative insecticide treatments, Hungarian maize growers are among the first European farmers to have an effective of preventing significant crop loss due to Western corn rootworm.

Since it was first found in Hungary in 1995, Western corn rootworm has now been detected on 1.1 million hectares of the country’s maize cropland and this year could cause serious economic damage on about ten per cent of this area. To control the effects of this pest, three Syngenta products have been granted registration: CRUISER^®, FORCE^® and KARATE ZEON^®

With infestations appearing across several European countries, crop losses are estimated to reach €300-500 million annually within five years if left unchecked. For a number of years, Syngenta has been providing US growers with effective solutions for the control of corn rootworm. In Europe, Syngenta is working with regulatory authorities to make effective solutions available throughout the affected region."CRUISER^®, FORCE^® and KARATE ZEON^® offer maize growers a unique range of products to protect against this potentially severe problem", said John Atkin, Chief Operating Officer of Syngenta Crop Protection. "We will work closely with our customers to build programs for the best possible defense in controlling the pest."

To protect the roots of crops from damage by larvae of corn rootworm, CRUISER^® seed treatment is a convenient method of control for areas of low to moderate infestation, while FORCE^® is recommended in cases of heavy infestation. Foliar application of KARATE ZEON^® controls adult beetles and prevents build-up of the pest.

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 2003 were approximately US$ 6.6 billion. Syngenta employs more than 19’000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).