Syngenta announces the potential for reduced damage from soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) with Clariva™ Complete Beans and the addition of Mertect® 340-F fungicide (thiabendazole) to its broad soybean portfolio. Mertect 340-F provides proven, effective SDS protection and can be applied with Clariva™ Complete Beans and CruiserMaxx® Beans with Vibrance® seed treatments, both combinations of separately registered products.
SDS has been detected in most major soybean-producing states. According to the Purdue University Extension, SDS is one of today’s most damaging soybean diseases. Symptoms of SDS include visible initial leaf discoloring and crinkling, followed by the yellowing of leaf tissue between the major veins and, ultimately, the death of the plant. When SDS occurs along with soybean cyst nematode (SCN), the No. 1 pest for U.S. soybean growers, disease symptoms occur earlier and are more severe – and can lead to additional yield loss.
Last year, Syngenta introduced Clariva Complete Beans seed treatment, establishing itself as a market leader in soybean seed treatments. Along with providing effective, season-long protection against SCN, Clariva Complete Beans also has the potential to reduce the impact of SCN-related diseases like SDS. The link between SCN and SDS is well documented by industry researchers, such as those at the soybean checkoff. SCN damage actually provides an entry point for the SDS pathogen to attack the plant.
With the addition of Mertect 340-F, Syngenta is expanding its commitment to fighting soybean disease. Mertect 340-F has shown consistent performance and yield protection under SDS pressure in four consecutive years of testing. Mertect 340-F also offers additional activity on seedborne diseases such as Phomopsis and boasts a first-rate seed safety profile for germination and stand protection.
“With Clariva Complete Beans and Mertect 340-F, Syngenta provides growers with additional options to reduce damage from SDS,” said Wouter Berkhout, Seedcare product lead at Syngenta. “We're very happy to provide effective solutions for treaters and growers to protect from all major soybean pests: SCN, seedling diseases and SDS.”