Syngenta announced today the launch of an innovative seed treatment product for cotton, DYNASTY® CST, in the US. The new product will be available for 2005 planting.

DYNASTY® CST provides exceptional control of a wide spectrum of fungal diseases protecting cotton seedlings during the early growth stages. According to estimates of the National Cotton Council of America, cotton seedling diseases caused yield losses of more than $330 million in the USA in 2003.

“DYNASTY® CST provides outstanding broad-spectrum performance through the combination of three fungicide chemistries,” says John Atkin, Chief Operating Officer of Syngenta Crop Protection. “With DYNASTY® CST, we are now offering cotton growers a product which is easy to use and, combined with our insecticide CRUISER®, provides complete protection of cotton seedlings.“

Syngenta is also developing DYNASTY® CST for other important cotton growing regions. Registration in Australia is expected later this year.

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).

Greensboro, North Carolina
September 2, 2004

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently approved two fungicide products for cotton ― Dynasty® CST and Uniform™. Dynasty CST, a seed-delivered fungicide, protects against a broad spectrum of seed-borne and soil-borne diseases in cotton. Uniform, a pre-mix formulation of Quadris® and Ridomil Gold®, is a liquid in-furrow fungicide offering effective control of the three phases of cotton diseases.

Dynasty CST delivers enhanced plant vigor and yield

A new level of seed-delivered disease control, Dynasty CST combines three proven fungicides to offer enhanced disease protection for cottonseed in one convenient product. Dynasty CST provides protection against a broad spectrum of seed-borne and soil-borne diseases in cotton, including Fusarium, Pythium, and pre- and post-emergent Rhizoctonia.

With the active ingredients azoxystrobin, fludioxonil and mefenoxam, Dynasty CST offers unique systemic and contact protection against the most important cotton pathogens in the four major fungal groups through complementary modes of action. As a result, Dynasty CST broadens the range of disease protection offered by current seed treatment and over-treatment fungicides to include even more seed-borne and soil seedling diseases. Studies have shown Dynasty CST provides disease protection that rivals that of many granular in-furrow fungicides.

“This combination of fungicides offers optimal protection against all the major yield-robbing cotton seedling diseases to enhance plant vigor and maximize the chances for increased crop yield,” said Steve Russell, Syngenta Seed Treatment crop manager. “Dynasty CST offers long-lasting, consistent performance that is adaptable to a variety of environmental conditions. Because Dynasty CST is delivered on the seed, it also offers the additional benefit of convenience.”

Dynasty CST is available from your local cotton seed dealer and is compatible with Cruiser® seed treatment insecticide.

Uniform fungicide offers serious control for troublesome situations

Uniform, formerly offered as the co-pack Quadris Ridomil Gold Uniform™, is now available as a convenient pre-mix combination. Uniform provides systemic and protectant control of soil-borne diseases, including Rhizoctonia and Pythium.

“In fields with high to severe disease pressure, recurring disease problems or history of replanting, the use of an in-furrow fungicide like Uniform protects against seed rot and seedling disease,” said Jim Peters, fungicide brand manager with Syngenta.” The mixture of Quadris and Ridomil Gold provides fast, strong and even protection, resulting in a healthier and more uniform stand and ultimately higher yields.”

Melvin Newman, Ph.D., extension specialist at the University of Tennessee, added, “Quadris Ridomil Gold Uniform has been one of our best treatments for in-furrow applications and has held Rhizoctonia and Pythium to a minimum.”

The combination of the Quadris and Ridomil Gold active ingredients in Uniform gives growers the added benefit of two modes of action, resulting in increased activity and more complete control.

With the introduction of these two new fungicides from Syngenta, cotton growers now have the tools they need to protect their crop in any situation. Whether the enhanced protection of seed-delivered Dynasty CST or the serious control of Uniform in-furrow fungicide is needed, effective seed- and soil-borne disease control helps ensure healthy stands and higher yields.

For more information on Dynasty CST or Uniform, contact your local Syngenta Crop Protection or Seed Treatment representative, or ask your local seed dealer.

Important: Always read and follow label instructions before buying or using any of these products.
Cruiser®, Dynasty®, Quadris®, Ridomil Gold®, Uniform™, Quadris Ridomil Gold Uniform™ and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.