Syngenta introduces Vibrance seed treatment fungicide for use in sugarbeets in US

Syngenta recently announced Vibrance® seed treatment fungicide is now registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency for use in sugarbeets and will be available beginning this fall for 2016 planting. Vibrance optimizes root health and helps increase stands and yield potential by delivering excellent protection against Rhizoctonia, the most prevalent sugarbeet disease threat. Sedaxane, the active ingredient in Vibrance, is a member of the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) class of fungicides.

“Vibrance offers outstanding protection against all Rhizoctonia AG groups relevant to sugarbeets including AG 2-2 and AG 4,” said David Belles, Seedcare technical product lead, Syngenta. “It mobilizes underground through systemic biokinetic behavior where the active compound moves from the seed into the surrounding soil for protection around the seed and root system. It is then absorbed by roots and translocated in the plant, helping protect the growing hypocotyl from unwanted infections. This helps produce healthier, stronger stems and foliage, and helps ensure that roots are protected inside and out.”

Rhizoctonia tolerant varieties are helpful, but genetic tolerance generally does not express in young seedlings, so protection during germination and stand establishment is key. In addition to selecting tolerant varieties, it is also important to use good cultural practices and utilize in-furrow fungicide applications and foliar sprays as necessary.

“Rhizoctonia tolerant varieties do not completely eliminate the threat of the Rhizoctonia and alone may not be enough to offset Rhizoctonia’s impact on sugarbeet yield,” said Belles. “Vibrance combined with Rhizoctonia tolerant-varieties could prove to be an important strategy to help maintain their effectiveness.”

Vibrance is easily applied to sugarbeet seed and is compatible with other seed treatment products, including CruiserMaxx® Sugarbeets seed treatment, a combination of separately registered products.