Blight Hotlines for Potato Producers

Blight Hotlines Serve as Valuable Resource for Potato Producers

University Researchers Provide Up-to-Date Pest Management Information

Greensboro, NC (April 23, 2002) - The potato late blight hotlines, individually maintained by universities in potato-producing regions and sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection Inc., provide growers, processors, and crop consultants with timely information critical to the development of effective pest management strategies. Information offered includes disease infection confirmations, current weather patterns, and recommended control measures.

“It is important that we provide growers with the fungicides they need to protect their crop, but it is also important to give them the information needed to get the most out of these products,” said Kem Cunningham, Syngenta crop manager. “By sponsoring the blight hotline, Syngenta assists universities in providing growers with information vital to the production of a top-quality, high-yielding crop.”

The potato late blight hotlines are available to producers in Idaho (1-800-791-7195), Michigan (1-888-379-9012), North Dakota (1-888-GTBRAVO), Oregon (1-800-705-3377), and Washington (1-800-984-7400). When callers dial one of the hotline numbers, they will hear a pre-recorded message with up-to-date pest management information. The message is updated multiple times per week and is available from June through September. All of the hotlines are accessible 24 hours a day and the call is free of charge.

“The blight hotline sponsored by Syngenta is one of the primary means for growers to obtain information about late blight in their area,” said Melinda Bateman, scientific aide senior at the Idaho Falls Research and Extension Center. “Because the hotline enables us to get information out quickly, growers can apply protectants as soon as possible when late blight is found in the area.”

“The potato late blight hotline is a valuable resource,” said Neil Gudmestad, professor of plant pathology at North Dakota State University. “The hotline provides the potato industry with the most reliable information necessary for them to make critical management decisions. We really appreciate the investment Syngenta has made in our system so that we can provide this service to the potato industry.”

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness. The company ranks first in crop protection, and third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2001 were approximately US $6.3 billion. Syngenta employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. The company is committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative Research and Technology. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange and in London, New York and Stockholm.