Syngenta cites underlying "vigor trigger" effect with Cruiser

Syngenta this month released findings that support its case that thiamethoxam – the active ingredient in Cruiser seed treatment insecticide – provides a yield enhancement effect, even in the absence of insects.

In a web presentation last week, company representatives outlined research results in laboratory growth chambers and sterile greenhouse conditions that showed faster growth characteristics where seed were treated with Cruiser.

Independent tests were conducted by universities in Germany and Brazil over the last 3 years.

Researchers concluded that thiamethoxam increases the production of specific proteins that strengthen the plant’s ability to cope with various types of stress.

The effect was referred to as the “vigor trigger.”

“Thiamethoxam is water-soluble, meaning it can rapidly move to the plant’s cells,” said Michael Schade, Cruiser Global Technical Manager. “In the plant cells, it triggers various physiological reactions, and those reactions are measurable. For a biochemist, it’s easy to see an expression or a shift of function of proteins, which you also could refer to as enzymes.

“In fact, thiamethoxam improves the level of specific and important plant proteins. The key to the vigor trigger is that we’re not just talking about any proteins. The functions are related or linked to various stress-defense mechanisms in the plant that let it cope under tough growing conditions.”

Stresses cited in the presentation included drought, low pH, high soil salinity, stress that leads to protein degradation, aluminum toxicity, wounding from pests and environmental factors, pathogen attacks and low micronutrient levels.

The effect, said Schade, gives plants a better start, which sets them up to develop more root mass and canopy, shade out weeds, conserve moisture and more vigorously set fruit and fill a crop.