Syngenta Crop Protection announces that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently approved the registration of LUMAX® corn herbicide for pre-emergence use on yellow popcorn.

Since its introduction for the 2003 growing season, LUMAX has been recognized as a one-pass breakthrough solution for pre-emergence weed control in field corn, field production seed corn and field silage corn due to its superior weed spectrum, outstanding early-season weed control, extended residual control and exceptional crop safety.

These qualities are even more important in popcorn production. Compared to field corn, popcorn is more susceptible to herbicide crop injury, its smaller size and narrower leaves reduce crop canopy, and exceptional weed control is essential not only for increased yield, but also because harvested foreign matter, such as weed seeds, decreases the value of popcorn when it is sold.

Harvey Gutwein, popcorn producer and owner of Gutwein Popcorn Company LLC in Francesville, Ind., said the registration of LUMAX for use on yellow popcorn gives producers a solution to some of the challenges of popcorn production.

"With LUMAX, I don't have to worry about crop injury, it provides the residual control needed to last through harvest and I know it's going to control the weeds," Gutwein said. "This directly affects popcorn quality, yield and, ultimately, my bottom line."

Not only does LUMAX control many of the toughest annual broadleaf weeds and grasses that plague popcorn producers, it also combines three herbicides - atrazine, S-metolachlor and mesotrione - with three different modes of action to control weeds that are resistant to ALS-inhibiting and triazine herbicides, as well as weed species becoming tolerant to glyphosate herbicides. For areas where atrazine use is not allowed or desired, the EPA also approved registration of Camix® corn herbicide for pre-emergence use on yellow popcorn.

Mike Johnson, Syngenta technical brand manager said, "With the recent registration of LUMAX and Camix corn herbicides for pre-emergence use on yellow popcorn, growers in all popcorn-growing geographies have a new option for safe and effective weed control."

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 $6.6 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).

Always read and follow label instructions before buying or using these products.
LUMAX is a Restricted Use Pesticide. Do not apply LUMAX or Camix to yellow popcorn after the crop has emerged, or crop injury may occur.
LUMAX®, Camix® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.