Leading Research Experts Gather at 2013 Global Root Health Forum in Beijing, China

On September 2-4 more than 125 technical experts from 25 countries worldwide met in Beijing, China, to discuss the latest research findings and innovations related to Root Health. This 2013 Global Root Health Forum, hosted by Syngenta, built on the first Root Health Forum (2011, United States), as well as seven regional Root Health Forums that Syngenta organized around the world in 2012.

“We were pleased to host this international Root Health event because it also brought focus on China agriculture,” said Pierre Cohadon, Head Syngenta China. “The Forum demonstrates Syngenta leadership in both Root Health research and regional sustainable agricultural practices.”

In the opening keynote address, Deputy Director General Dr. Yingjie Liu of the Department of Personnel and Labor in MOA noted the importance of Root Health in the growing Chinese agricultural industry.

Panel discussions during the Global Root Health Forum focused on biotic and abiotic stresses such as root diseases, insects, nematodes and climate, as well as novel methods to measure roots and root growth stimulation. Participants also visited the Shunyi Research Farm of Syngenta Seeds (Beijing) Ltd., where they could see specific Root Health greenhouse and research method examples.

Root Health research offers untapped potential for valuable discovery and innovation by studying the multiple factors and complex interactions impacting root growth. Syngenta sees healthier roots as leading to better crop performance and stress tolerance, resulting in increased, more stable yields.

Forum dialogue emphasized the potential for new technologies that lead to more Root Health results in the field. Syngenta presented several examples from its research pipeline, including VIBRANCE®, a fungicide specifically tailored for seed treatment.

“VIBRANCE demonstrates the worldwide scale of development needed to create a tangible Root Health solution for growers,” said Christian Schlatter, Global Seed Care Asset Manager and Crop Lead. “Since 2011, it has received registration in 10 countries, with registration in China, we hope, to follow in 2014.”