Growers of protected and outdoor ornamentals can look forward to more plant protection products and technical support with the UK launch of Ornamental Controls, part of the world-leading agribusiness Syngenta.
"It makes us the only fully dedicated ornamentals control business to offer a global range of products combined with local technical support to the sector,” said Daniel Lightfoot, UK Business Manager for Ornamental Controls. "We believe that sets us apart from other crop protection manufacturers.”
He added: "All growers are facing ever-tighter regulations and pressures on availability and use of control products. This is compounded in the highly competitive ornamentals market with its demand for crops that are clearly in perfect health and which match tightly defined specifications."
"We have some exciting new products on the way, including a new insecticide specifically formulated for ornamentals which we are expecting to be approved soon in the UK."
"Our expertise in crop protection is based on the combined knowledge generated by some 150 R&D sites around the world."
“We also know growers of ornamental plants are highly innovative and their knowledge, coupled with that of our partner in the market, Fargro, helps us deliver the right products for growers."
"Collaborating with growers and our partner is central to our approach right across the market – from bedding and pot plants to nursery stock, cut flowers, bulbs, and targeting all major pests and diseases, as well as plant growth regulation. We provide expert knowledge and advice and by working together we can tailor effective, reliable programmes with integrated pest management and resistance management in mind.”
Key to the way Ornamental Controls will work in the UK will be a collaborative partnership with the distributor, Fargro.
"Fargro is already a highly regarded authority in ornamental crop protection,” said Glenn Kirby, UK Technical Manager for Ornamental Controls. “And being in day-to-day contact with growers means they really understand their needs.
"We’ll be working closely with the Fargro team to offer growers the best possible combination of our R&D, technical resources and their knowledge to achieve the best results.”
The Ornamental Controls range will include familiar Syngenta products such as the fungicides Subdue and Switch, the acaricide and insecticide Dynamic and growth regulator Bonzi. The company plans to launch a number of new products in the UK, including a new insecticide for the ornamentals market, some of which are already approved in Europe.