Potatoes

Strategic positioning of Syngenta foliar fungicides in Australian potato programs
people in a potato field

Through decades of collaboration in Australia, Syngenta has developed an extensive range of foliar fungicides registered for use in potatoes.

Such is the breadth of this fungicide portfolio, it's worth explaining how these fungicides can be strategically positioned throughout the growing season to address varying disease pressures to help support potato growers.

A foundation for success

Effective and efficient crop protection programs always consider crop and disease development stages, while also complying with appropriate CropLife resistance management strategies.

BRAVO® Weather Stik® fungicide is a proven performer when applied early to protect developing shoots against new infection.

SCORE® fungicide is an effective rotational break (when a group 7 fungicide has been used in-furrow) and where conditions are favouring disease development.

Many growers have adopted MIRAVIS® fungicide, which is typically first applied at the critical pre-row closure timing, to establish lasting protection against target spot (Alternaria solani).

In high pressure target spot scenarios, growers can instead use MIRAVIS® Duo fungicide.

Where Sclerotinia and target spot are problems, MIRAVIS® Prime fungicide may prove to be the most suitable product in the Syngenta range covering these two diseases while also offering control of grey mould (botrytis).

Later applications of SCORE® and AMISTAR® Top fungicides extend protection and preserve canopy health, thereby supporting conditions for optimal yield development.

RIDOMIL® Gold MZ fungicide is an excellent option if late blight (Phytophthora infestans) is likely to be present.

This comprehensive approach provides growers with flexible, science-based programs that adapt to varying disease pressures while maintaining product stewardship and economic viability throughout the potato growing season.

BRAVO® WeatherStik® as the program backbone

BRAVO® WeatherStik® fungicide is an excellent starting point offering a rotational break of a Group M5 after a Group 7 in-furrow application. Alternatively, it can be tank mixed with another single site fungicide to help delay fungicide resistance development.

BRAVO® WeatherStik® provides a cost-effective broad-spectrum disease control and is registered for the control of target spot and late blight. This fungicide can be positioned throughout the entire program as required and is registered for aerial application.

The product's WeatherStik® formulation ensures superior rainfastness over other chlorothalonil formulations, delivering extended protection, making it ideal for maintaining protection during unpredictable weather conditions.

Next generation fungicide integration: MIRAVIS® portfolio

The MIRAVIS® fungicide family represents Syngenta's advanced systemic Group 7 ADEPYDIN® technology, with strategic positioning depending on target diseases and method of application.

MIRAVIS® fungicides are typically first placed in a program prior to row closure, coinciding with the last opportunity to achieve thorough coverage from the base to the top of plants and maximising return on investment.

This positioning ensures optimal disease protection to the older tissues vulnerable to infection by target spot (Alternaria solani), reducing inoculum load and disease risk beyond row closure.

High pressure scenarios

In situations when higher target spot disease pressure is expected, consider replacing MIRAVIS® fungicide with up to two applications of MIRAVIS® Duo prior to row closure. The co-formulation improves resistance risk management and provides enhanced systemic activity when disease pressure intensifies.

Targeting multiple diseases

When targeting target spot and Sclerotinia, consider instead using MIRAVIS® Prime before row closure and again later if required for excellent, extended control due to a unique combination of active ingredients.

Application methods

MIRAVIS® and MIRAVIS® Duo can be aerially applied, MIRAVIS® Duo is also registered for chemigation, while MIRAVIS® Prime must be applied using ground-based equipment only.

Specialised solutions: RIDOMIL® Gold MZ, AMISTAR® Top and SCORE® fungicides

RIDOMIL® Gold MZ

RIDOMIL® Gold MZ is specifically positioned for an early season application 4-6 weeks after planting, then again 14 days later in a pink rot program (the second application should be timed so that it is applied before the crops reaches 50% canopy closure).

This leverages its specialized oomycete activity against soil-borne pathogens while offering growers a solid option to start their late blight fungicide program if conditions are conducive to disease development.

AMISTAR® Top

Co-formulated with Group 3 and 11 fungicides, AMISTAR® Top fungicide provides excellent target spot and late blight protection and offers an excellent value systemic rotation option within the program, supporting plant health and alleviating resistance risk.

The two active ingredients in AMISTAR® Top are perfectly paired, with different rates of movement through plant tissues ensuring widespread and lasting control, and complementary modes of action from excellent protectant to early curative activity against disease.

SCORE®

SCORE® fungicide is a highly mobile and effective target spot fungicide that acts on the later stage of disease development. It offers a cost effective, flexible control option that can be tank mixed for resistance management or applied solo by ground rigs or aircraft.

Examples of different potato fungicide management programs.
Figure 1. Examples of different potato fungicide management programs.

Summary

Successful disease management requires more than just fungicide selection. Integrate chemical control with cultural practices including:

  • Crop rotation
  • Optimal plant spacing
  • Drainage management
  • Irrigation management
  • Selecting tolerant or resistant varieties
  • Careful consideration of harvest timing

By understanding which fungicides do what, disease control efficacy can be balanced with economic considerations.

If you would like to discuss your situation or needs, your local Syngenta representative will be happy to help.

ENDs

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.
 

® Registered trademark of a Syngenta Group company
™ Trademark of a Syngenta Group company