Fruit

Applied knowledge helping growers hit the mark in tree crops
attendees of a tree crop application workshop by Syngenta
Tree crop growers and advisors who took part in the workshops were also interested to learn more about VERTENTO® insecticide from Syngenta.
  • Syngenta conducted workshops around Bundaberg on proper spray application techniques for tree crops
     
  • VERTENTO® insecticide offers the first new mode of action in over a decade for crops like almonds, avocados, citrus, and mangoes, with feeding stopping within hours of application
     
  • The product provides flexibility with a single 5 mL/100L rate across most crops, extended use windows, short withholding periods, and excellent sunlight stability
     

Successful crop protection involves many factors, including application technique. Syngenta, global leaders in ag-tech, are not only invested in the discovery and development of new products like VERTENTO® insecticide, they’re determined to help the industry overcome common challenges in application. This approach prompted a series of workshops surrounding Bundaberg from 19-23 May, at various tree crop farms.

The workshops helped guests step through the fundamental principles of application technique, within an orchard setting, while helping answer more specific questions about equipment set up, according to Syngenta Territory Sales Manager Neil Bauer. “We have been spending a lot of time on-farm with growers and contractors, seeing how people are managing their sprays, and we found a number of gaps in understanding; that’s what we’re addressing with these workshops.”

Tree crop growers and advisors who took part in the workshops were also interested to learn more about VERTENTO® insecticide, a new mode of action insecticide, registered in almonds, avocados, citrus, macadamias, mangoes and papaya. It is the first new mode of action in many of these crops for more than a decade and provides a solution for growers building a sustainable insect management program.

The use rate for VERTENTO® insecticide is a single rate of 5 mL/100 L for all registered crops except papaya, which offers ease of use for all involved in the supply chain and on-farm, with fewer drums required. With an extended use window, short withholding periods and no quantifiable residues residues in most crops, VERTENTO® also offers exceptional flexibility. As an optimised formulation, VERTENTO® has excellent sunlight stability and rain-fast properties, providing valuable protection.

“What really sets VERTENTO® apart from what growers are currently using is how quickly it works,” said Neil. “Feeding stops within hours of application, which means that damage stops close to immediately.” Given that many of the registered crops rely on export markets where damage is critical for premium prices, this is a crucial aspect to consider.

To support the workshops, Dr David Manktelow was on-site lending his expertise. David is a recognised expert in optimising spray application systems in horticultural crops, with a current project looking at precision orchard mapping and machinery automation systems to deliver significant improvements in tree crop spraying outcomes. He will be a speaker at the upcoming Hort Connections in Brisbane.

Dr David Manktelow in a tree crop orchard
Dr David Manktelow is a recognised expert in spray application systems in horticultural crops.

“Having contact and ingestion activity, getting applications right is important for VERTENTO® insecticide, as it is with every crop protection product,” said Syngenta Technical Services Lead, Dr Shaun Hood. “This includes consideration of leaf area, tractor speed, application pressure, rates and concentrations. There is quite a lot involved in getting things right, but once you have it set up, it’s just a matter of reviewing conditions and adjusting as you go.”

Click here for information on VERTENTO® or reach out to your local Syngenta representative.

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Syngenta is a global leader in agricultural innovation with a presence in more than 100 countries. Syngenta is focused on developing technologies and farming practices that empower farmers, so they can make the transformation required to feed the world’s population while preserving our planet. Its bold scientific discoveries deliver better benefits for farmers and society on a bigger scale than ever before. 

Guided by its Sustainability Priorities, Syngenta is developing new technologies and solutions that support farmers to grow healthier plants in healthier soil with a higher yield. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland; Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook & X.