Syngenta US texting Pest Patrol Alerts about latest crop pest developments

Date:07-22-2016

For the eighth consecutive growing season, Syngenta is partnering with university entomologists to help growers and agricultural professionals monitor and stay ahead of developing pest outbreaks with Pest Patrol Alerts. Eleven entomologists from Texas to Virginia are contributing this year, providing audio updates delivered via text message and at www.SyngentaPestPatrol.com.

The localized recorded updates offer timely information about field conditions, pest threats and treatment recommendations. The recordings give growers and consultants more information to formulate pest-management plans and help retailers anticipate what chemicals are needed in the field.

When the Pest Patrol program began in 2009, listeners accessed updates by calling a toll-free number and navigating an automated phone tree. Today, interested growers and ag professionals can simply sign up to receive text message updates, allowing them to directly receive the time-sensitive updates as soon as they are available.

Due to the popularity and convenience of the text alert system, updates are transitioning to a fully digital platform and the toll-free number will no longer host alerts. Text message alert subscribers will continue to receive texts containing a link to the recorded updates. Pest Patrol users who do not currently receive text message alerts but would like to begin should follow the steps outlined below.

“For years, Pest Patrol Alerts have complemented on-farm scouting and helped growers and consultants make better decisions,” said Mary DeMers, senior communications lead, Syngenta. “Pest Patrol is a valuable addition to scouting that provides applicable management information to growers. In the coming years, we plan to make it even better.”

To register to receive text message alerts each time your chosen expert records an update, follow these steps:
1.    Register online at www.SyngentaPestPatrol.com or via text message by texting the corresponding short-code word listed in the chart below to 97063
2.    Reply to the confirmation text you receive by texting the letter “y” to complete your registration.
3.    Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each entomologist from whom you wish to receive updates.