June 11, 2010

Greensboro, N.C.-- Syngenta Crop Protection today announced that the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) has granted full approval of Inspire® fungicide for use on Alternaria in almond orchards. Containing the active ingredient difenoconazole, Inspire offers almond growers effective control of Alternaria.

"Alternaria leaf spot can devastate an almond orchard by causing summer defoliation," said James Adaskaveg, professor of plant pathology, University of California – Riverside. "California almond growers should be encouraged by this additional tool for controlling this damaging disease."

Though recently introduced into this market in the United States in the summer of 2007, difenoconazole has been used extensively for more than two decades in 96 other countries on over 100 crops to help produce high quality crops and yields. Additionally, Inspire was approved in 2008 and 2009 for Section 18 emergency exemptions and has proven beneficial enough to be granted approval for use in all California counties.

"Growers have benefited from the efficacy of Inspire for the last few years as a Section 18 exception," said David Laird, fungicide brand manager, Syngenta. "We're pleased that Inspire will now be available to almond growers throughout California, offering timing flexibility and proven Alternaria control."

California almond growers should contact their local retailer or Syngenta representative for use rates, application timing and other product information.

Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 25,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com.

SOURCE: Syngenta.