Technological solutions from Syngenta for maize sowing

On 25 February 2021 a webinar was held on the topic: “Technological solutions from Syngenta for maize sowing“, organized by the company team in order to present to the farmers in the country its innovative products in this strategic production – seeds and plant protection products in maize.

Top experts from the corporate management of Syngenta, the leading global company in maize breeding and crop protection, took part in the digital information format for maize, the agricultural crop No. 1 on the planet, whose area and production in Bulgaria are marking sustainable growth.

Baris Uckesen, Technical Manager Seeds, Black Sea region, drew attention to the fact that climate change in Europe is already very visible. This situation is changing the environment, and the fight against abiotic stress is becoming a dominant factor in risk management in agricultural production. Syngenta’s response is very strong! The company is implementing a large-scale investment project in Hungary. A new research centre will be established there, the largest in Europe, with the most modern technological equipment in the world. The scale of this avant-garde project is impressive. One of the highlights will be the breeding of agricultural crops with high biological immunity and resistance to climate challenges – abiotic stress and increased pest pressure. Here, stated Mr. Uckesen, the visions of the future will be formed!

Maize is one of the crops that will need effective protection against natural and phytosanitary anomalies and deviations, noted Baris Uckesen and added that Syngenta already has a reliable tool for sustainable production in an uncertain environment. This is the Artisan technology, which includes a range of hybrids across the full spectrum – from FAO 100 to 600.

The high level of the new generation of elite maize breeding, already known in Bulgaria, opens a new horizon and perspective for fundamental changes and technological transformations of the genetic potential for high and stable yield. The tool for implementing the creative idea of achieving a maximum degree of adaptation under all conditions is the new profile of the root system of maize plants, whose characteristics include increased volume and the ability to penetrate deeper in order to make maximum use of nutrients and water.

In his presentation Mr. Uckesen paid special attention to the maize hybrid Carioca from the medium-late segment (FAO 480). According to the expert, this hybrid is a convincing example of the high-value resource of Syngenta’s Artisan technology. Carioca proves that Syngenta’s maize genetics is not magic, but science! The adaptation of Carioca to different conditions is impressive. It has the potential to be a champion among competing hybrids in the group both under ideal growing conditions and under stress situations caused by drought, high temperatures, etc. Carioca has another invaluable basic quality – high health status – genetic resistance to Fusarium and Penicillium rot.

Zoran Kamfer, Head of Marketing CP herbicides and insecticides in maize and sunflower for South-Eastern Europe, commented on the negative consequences for the sustainable development of maize under early weed infestation. Weed competition at this delicate moment from the start of the crop for light, nutrients and space has fatal consequences. Mr. Kamfer acquainted the audience with Syngenta’s conclusions that the light reflected from the weed association reduces the light in the maize crop. Maize slows down the normal growth rate as a result of the impaired functioning of the roots and the reduced intensity of photosynthesis. Syngenta offers a complete high-class herbicide package for a radical solution of all possible cases related to weed pressure. Dual Gold is the classic soil herbicide for the control of annual grasses and some annual broadleaf weeds after sowing and before crop emergence. The herbicide is selective, including under extreme conditions. It can be mixed with soil-applied herbicides against broadleaf weeds. Gardoprim Plus is a reliable solution against mixed infestation of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds. The product is flexible – it is approved for use both pre-emergence and early post-emergence, after maize emergence up to the 1st–2nd leaf of grass weeds and 2nd–4th leaf of broadleaf weeds. The synergy between the active substances increases the knockdown power and expands its spectrum of action. Camix is Syngenta’s top proposal against mixed infestation of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds. It is used pre-emergence or early post-emergence. The strength of the active ingredients – S-metolachlor and mesotrione – and the synergy between them is expressed in control of weeds in stages before and after emergence, systemic action and long residual effect, full selectivity, efficacy under difficult conditions. In case of soil moisture deficit, the herbicide acts directly, the active substances are not transformed. The higher dose destroys the problematic johnsongrass and field bindweed.

Syngenta’s team of herbicides for post-emergence application consists of 5 products. Peak – against annual broadleaf weeds, used up to the 8th leaf of maize. Kaspar – double systemic with different modes of action of the active bases. Long period of action, flexibility of application – from the 3rd to the 8th leaf of the crop. The most widely used herbicide in maize in recent years against annual and perennial broadleaf weeds, including weeds with a waxy coating. Compatible with graminicides (Mistral Opti). Mistral Opti (nicosulfuron, 240 g) is the classic "weapon" for eliminating competing annual and perennial grass weeds, including johnsongrass from seed and rhizomes, and some annual grass weeds. Highly selective (up to the 8th leaf of maize). Compatible with herbicides against broadleaf weeds (Kaspar and Peak). Mistral Plus is a two-component product (nicosulfuron + dicamba) for the control of annual and perennial grass and broadleaf weeds. OD formulation without analogue, ready for easy use, with a built-in adjuvant. The list is supplemented by Elumis OD (nicosulfuron + mesotrione) for decisive control of annual and perennial grass and broadleaf weeds. The OD formulation ensures excellent adhesion and rapid penetration. The high energy charge structures an effective pressure against all problematic weeds with a single spraying – johnsongrass from rhizomes, field bindweed, lambsquarters. Long period of application – from the 3rd to the 7th leaf of maize. The herbicide has post-emergence and soil action for control of emerged weeds and secondary infestation with annual weeds.

Sinisa Jelcan, Technical Manager Insecticide Control Europe, Africa and the Middle East, noted that the pressure of wireworms, Diabrotica and European corn borer continues to increase in Europe. Bulgaria, which borders major maize producers – Romania and Serbia – is also becoming a problem area. Syngenta’s solution against the dangerous pests Diabrotica and wireworms is Force 1.5 G. Tefluthrin (the active ingredient of the insecticide) provides reliable protection with dual action – contact and additional through the gas phase. Force 1.5 G is used before sowing – for seed treatment, or during sowing it is applied with micro-applicators. Ampligo is Syngenta’s new proposal against pests from the order Lepidoptera, to which the European corn borer and Diabrotica belong. The synergism and mutually complementary action of the powerful active bases provide combined contact, stomach and translaminar action against all stages of pest development – with a rapid initial knockdown effect and long residual activity. The insecticide has a flexible application period over a wide temperature range and reduces mycotoxins in maize grains.

The new multifunctional type of communication – webinar seminar – between Syngenta and its partners, the agricultural producers in the country, is an indication that traditional technical meetings already have an alternative. The digital format makes it possible for leading specialists from the company to take part in the seminar, which raises the level of expertise and competence of the event. The new information product enables more people to participate – the virtual event has national rather than regional representation. The news broadcast once on the Internet is news with added value. Every farmer who has missed seeing it on the day of broadcasting can "call it up" whenever they wish on the screen of their computer:

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The following took part in the Syngenta webinar:

Baris Uckesen, Technical Manager Seeds, Black Sea region

Zoran Kamfer – Head of Marketing CP herbicides and insecticides in maize and sunflower for South-Eastern Europe

Sinisa Jelcan, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences – Technical Manager Insecticide Control Europe, Africa and the Middle East