Syngenta to launch Velista fungicide in Canada and the U.S. in 2014

Syngenta announced recently plans for the 2014 launch of Velista™ 50 WDG fungicide (penthiopyrad), a new tool for broad-spectrum disease control, for golf course superintendents in Canada and the U.S.

Syngenta acquired key assets for Velista from DuPont Crop Protection, headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. Velista will be the first succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) class fungicide for turf from Syngenta. The active ingredient in Velista (penthiopyrad) is designated by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee as FRAC group 7 and a member of the pyrazole carboxamide fungicide class.

Research studies have demonstrated that Velista is highly effective as a stand-alone product or tank mixture partner to control brown patch, dollar spot and anthracnose.

“Velista is an excellent addition to our turf portfolio,” stated Scott Reasons, head, Syngenta Turf and Landscape in North America. “We appreciate just how complex and demanding a superintendent’s job can be, so we are pleased to offer one of the industry’s first SDHI chemistries for high performance disease management. Velista complements our existing portfolio and reinforces our commitment to provide world-class products to the turf market.”

Research cooperators have tested Velista extensively, and the results are impressive. “Velista will be a formidable turf disease management tool and a great addition for managing tough diseases on golf courses,” said Mark Coffelt, head, technical services, Syngenta Turf and Landscape North America.