Syngenta Thrive

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Learn how our partnership with growers evolved to help them
make sound decisions for their operations.

A Silver Anniversary

2026 marks 25 years of the AgriEdge® dedicated agribusiness partnership! To celebrate, our grower partners shared how our collaboration has benefited their operations.

“AgriEdge has led me in the direction of some good products over the years. It also has given me some direction to knowledgeable people when assistance is needed.”

Dave McNealy, Nebraska
AgriEdge partner for 7 years

“I appreciate how the program and Syngenta have come alongside
us and been a partner to us. They make sure they understand what’s
happening in the fields on our operations, how we function and how we do things.”

Shawn Feikema, Minnesota
AgriEdge partner for 1 year

AgriEdge From Coast to Coast

AgriEdge growers are located across America. This map was generated based on the general locations of 280+ AgriEdge grower survey respondents.

Survey of 280 AgriEdge Growers conducted in 2025

“It has been a good partnership. I appreciate the regular updates and having access to people that can help us with any issues that come up.”

Barry Kagay, Missouri
AgriEdge partner for 10 years

“I would describe the partnership as simple, innovative and organized. I’m really happy with how Cropwise lays everything out, and our AgriEdge specialist is great.”

Jake Steinbeck, Iowa
AgriEdge partner for 10 years

AgriEdge Helps Support Better Decisions

How do growers describe our partnership? This word cloud
was compiled based on the responses of more than 280 AgriEdge growers.

“They’re always willing to help us level up as an organization and we really view the team at Syngenta as a partner. Robbie, Lenore and several other folks from Syngenta have taken the time to walk the fields with us. They’re always there and we really do feel that support from the team.”

Cameron Boomgaarden, California
AgriEdge partner for 6 years

“This program has helped me to see our cost per acre in our farming operation, making it easy to make good business decisions.”

Ron Wingfield, Ohio
AgriEdge partner for 7 years

Years of Partnership

On average, growers and retailers have been a part of the AgriEdge partnership for eight years. This chart shows how long AgriEdge survey respondents have been partners.

Data from 280+ AgriEdge grower survey respondents.

“The technology offered has gone from simple data entry to a full-fledged sustainability and record-keeping machine. It’s been exciting to watch it evolve and improve over the years.”

Will Morris, Wisconsin
AgriEdge partner for 10 years

To see more AgriEdge stories, visit
www.Syngenta-US.com/AgriEdge/Stories

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The Outbreak Outlook

Red Leaf Blotch: An Invisible Enemy

What is Red Leaf Blotch?

A Hidden Early-Season Threat

  • Fungal leaf disease caused by
Polystigma amygdalinum
  • Infects young leaves early in spring
  • Symptoms appear 35–40 days later
  • No control possible once symptoms
are visible

If you can see RLB, it’s already too late

What Does RLB look like?

  • Early Signs: Small yellow spots on leaf surface
  • Progression: Lesions enlarge and turn orange/reddish brown; blotches merge and cause leaf curling, scorching and early drop
  • Impact: Weakens tree canopy and
reduces photosynthesis
  • Infected leaves fuel next year’s infections

Why RLB Detection and Treatment Matters

Early Infection Leads to
Long-Term Damage

  • Causes premature leaf drop
  • Reduces photosynthesis and energy storage
  • Stresses trees and reduces quality almond yields
  • Risks future profit potential

Where is RLB?

New to the U.S. and Moving Fast

  • Seen in Spanish orchards as early as 1927, with a historical presence in the Mediterranean and parts of the Middle East
  • First detected in California in 2024, likely introduced through infected plant material
  • Has spread quickly from Merced and Madera counties to all major almond-producing counties in California
  • If you see RLB pressure this year, expect more next year!

How It Spreads

RLB’s Cycle Works Against You

  • Overwinters in infected leaf litter
  • Spring rain releases new ascospores at bloom
  • Spores then infect new leaves, continuing its cycle
  • Long latency period (35–40 days) hides infection until damage is already done

Timing is Everything

Why Prevention is Crucial:

RLB is monocyclic, meaning there’s only one infection cycle per season — if you miss it, you miss your control window. Fungicides can’t cure infected leaves, and protection must be in place before infection.

How to Prevent RLB

Why An Integrated Approach Is Your Best Bet

Cultural Practices

  • Managing infected leaf litter
  • Speeding up leaf breakdown with zinc + urea
  • Cleaning equipment between orchard passes

Critical Fungicide Timing

  • Petal Fall: Apply Miravis® Prime fungicide now to dial up your RLB defense. This is a crucial step to help prevent infection!
  • Post-Petal Fall: Apply Miravis Duo or Quadris Top® fungicide 2–3 weeks post-petal fall to help maintain RLB protection.
  • Follow-Up Spray: For high-risk orchards, a third application is recommended (~5 weeks post-petal fall)

The Bottom Line

Early Action Helps to Protect Yield

Protecting almonds early with a powerful preventive fungicide program and smart management practices is a way to preserve tree canopy, support almond yield and your orchard’s longevity.

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Red Crown Rot (RCR) is a soilborne disease that initially appears as yellow speckling in leaf canopy and is often confused as Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). RCR is caused by Calonectria ilicicola, a pathogen that can infect more than 110 other plant hosts. Severe RCR infections can lead to yield losses of over 50%.
Use the guide below to help protect your beans from this destructive (and difficult-to-diagnose) disease!

Initially impacting regions with peanut rotations, RCR was first confirmed in U.S. soybeans in North Carolina in 1972 and later in Louisiana and Mississippi in the late 1980s and early 1990s (though it never reached significant levels at the time). Then in 2017, pathologists identified the disease in several western Illinois fields, where yield losses of more than 25 bushels per acre suggested it had gone undetected for multiple seasons — due to its patchy infections and look-alike symptoms. Since then, RCR has been found across the Midwest, with confirmed cases throughout Illinois and parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Infection Conditions

Ideal environment
Calonectria ilicicola lives in the soil as microsclerotia or tiny hardened structures that survive for several years without a host. They germinate in favorable conditions and infect host roots, thriving in wet soil when temperatures range from 77°F to 86°F and impacting soybeans most heavily the first three weeks of emergence. In some areas, double-crop soybeans risk developing RCR more often, likely because they are planted into warmer soil conditions. This is contrast to SDS, which prefers cooler, wetter conditions during early establishment.

Distribution and Spread

Soil movement
RCR starts with individual plants or small patches, usually appearing first at field edges, entries or heavily trafficked areas. It spreads by physical means: with soil movement, surface water movement, wind and tillage, while wind, animals and equipment disperse it further. In serious cases, where large portions of fields are affected, RCR has likely been present for years.

Early-season Symptoms

Stem discoloration
During vegetative growth, as early as V1 or V2, the only visible symptom of RCR infection is reddish discoloration at the base of soybean stems. It’s rarely found early enough to see just this symptom. But in fields with a known history of RCR, check young soybeans for reddish stems at the soil line. At this point, RCR causes stand loss and stunts plants.

Mid-season Symptoms

Foliar signs
More noticeable RCR symptoms appear during reproductive growth stages, when it affects leaves. Foliar symptoms start as small yellow or light green spots between leaf veins. These expand to interveinal chlorosis, so leaf veins stay green while tissue between veins loses color and dies. Dead leaves often remain attached to the soybean plant. However, roots can rot without foliar symptoms.

Late-season Symptoms

Spore-producing structures
Late in the growing season, small reddish or rusty-orange balls appear on lower stems. These structures, called perithecia, are key to identifying RCR. They often develop alongside white hyphae or a fuzzy white growth. By this point the canopy is deteriorating rapidly. With this loss of foliage, the yield potential is likely depressed significantly.

Accurate Diagnosis: Red crown rot or a look-a-like?

Both foliar and stem RCR symptoms mimic other soybean diseases with different management strategies. Early in the season, RCR looks like various root rots, all caused by different fungi. As infected soybeans mature, warm, wet weather triggers RCR to produce a toxin that creates common leaf symptoms. Correctly identifying diseases is key to effectively addressing the problem.

To accurately identify RCR versus other diseases, check records or try to recall early-season field conditions, soil temperatures and stem discoloration that may flag disease development during planting and emergence. But don’t play plant pathologist. For a conclusive diagnosis, submit supicious plants to your local Land Grant University plant diagnostic clinic.

Disease Management: Protecting soybean yield

Sudden Death Syndrome

RCR is most often misdiagnosed as Sudden Death Syndome (SDS). However, SDS thrives in wet, moderate soils as seedlings develop, compared to the warmer temperatures favored by RCR. Stems of SDS-infected plants will have white pith.  Though seen less often, SDS also causes blue spore structures on the taproot.

Brown Stem Rot

Brown stem rot causes foliar symptoms similar to RCR. It develops under cool, wet soil conditions, often in continuous soybean fields. As the name suggests, brown stem rot causes the center of soybean stems to rot completely, leaving just the outer tissue. Cut stems open to look for this.

Stem Canker

In some regions, foliar RCR symptoms can be mistaken for stem canker, which causes patchy brown or black lesions on the outside of the stem. Stem canker develops in rainy, wet weather early in the season.

Fusarium Root Rot

Like RCR, Fusarium root rot or wilt causes overall root decay, reduces early-season stands or stunts plant growth. While they show similar foliar symptoms, Fusarium pathogens attack under long periods of cool, wet conditions starting early in the season, with infection tending to be widespread.

Rhizoctonia Root Rot

Stems infected with RCR can be confused with Rhizoctonia root rot, which causes sunken, reddish-brown lesions on young soybean stems at the soil line. Warm, wet, poorly drained soils also promote Rhizoctonia infection. However, Rhizoctonia wilts or yellows leaves and darkens leaf petioles.

Phytophthora Stem Blight

Another RCR misdiagnosis is Phytophthora stem blight, a water mold that thrives in saturated soils and prefers warm temperatures. It causes chocolate-brown lesions on soybean stems that start at the soil line and move up the plant. Leaves wilt and yellow, while staying attached to stems, eventually killing the plant. Like RCR, Phytophthora stem blight can cause plants to quickly “collapse” later in the season, leaving rapidly deteriorating plants or parts of plants.

Potassium Deficiency

RCR can be mistaken for advanced potassium (K) deficiency in soybeans, due to leaf yellowing between veins. Unlike RCR and other diseases, K deficiencies usually occur under drought conditions. Leaves start yellowing at the edges, and discoloration moves toward the center
vein over time.

Resistant Soybeans

Even though soybean breeders have identified some sources of resistance to RCR, currently no commercial varieties are considered truly resistant. But because they vary their susceptibility, choose varieties that appear to handle RCR pressure better.

Crop Rotation

RCR can survive in soil for years and uses many plant hosts, so crop rotation has limited management value. In corn-soybean rotations, the rotation timing is too short to impact disease levels in the soil.

Cultural Practices

Due to the persistence of Calonectria ilicicola in soil, tillage spreads RCR. Limit potential spread between fields by planting, harvesting or working infected fields last and thoroughly cleaning equipment afterward. Minimize trips across the field and reduce tillage to slow its spread.

Chemical Defense

Some soybean seed treatments suppress RCR, protecting seedlings (most severely impacted by RCR) the first three weeks after germination. Plus, managing other soybean diseases and stresses helps minimize the impact of RCR infections, so consider protection from known issues like nematodes and other diseases and pests.

Syngenta Solutions for Red Crown Rot

Saltro Fungicide Seed Treatment

As a seed treatment, Saltro® fungicide seed treatment protects soybean seeds against SDS and soybean cyst nematode, and it also has a 2(ee) label for RCR suppression in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. It uses ADEPIDYN® technology to interrupt respiration in fungal pathogens like Calonectria ilicicola. For fields prone to RCR, treating soybeans with Saltro could help limit yield loss.

Victrato Seed Treatment

Victrato® seed treatment is the first seed treatment with a federal label for suppression of RCR as it offers a new level of protection. It also defends soybeans against multiple plant-parasitic nematode species and SDS without interfering with beneficial organisms. Featuring a new active ingredient, TYMIRIUM® technology, Victrato delivers the most robust level of protection available against diseases including RCR.

Use Best Practices: Managing Red Crown Rot

Suspect RCR in a soybean field? Check the confirmation map to see if it’s nearby. Then, work with agronomists or extension specialists to submit samples to the appropriate plant diagnostic lab. Once RCR has been confirmed, scout for symptoms, manage other crop stresses and clean equipment before moving to another field. In future seasons, consider using a fungicide seed treatment that suppresses RCR and monitor for conditions conducive to disease development.

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COLOR ≠ CONTENT

To the naked eye, all treated soybean seeds may look the same — but it’s what’s inside that makes all the difference, for both your beans and your bottom line.
Let’s crunch the numbers to see how a high-quality seed treatment formulation like 
CruiserMaxx® APX seed treatment can help boost your ROI.

Paying a bit more per acre on top-quality inputs like Syngenta seed treatments may sound counterintuitive in tight markets; but when you do the math, the benefits (and the extra bushels!) far outweigh the upfront costs.

Here’s why:

1. MORE PLANTS

Soybeans treated with CruiserMaxx APX have a lower replant risk, which means MORE plants emerge. When more plants emerge, you get the most value out of your seed investment.
Thanks to the powerful patented mixtures including picarbutrazox (PCBX), CruiserMaxx APX offers stronger early-season protection for vulnerable seeds and seedlings, preventing damaging diseases like Pythium and Phytophthora from cutting into your soybean stands.

DO THE MATH:

Assumptions: 155K planting population. Seed + seed-treatment costs reflect market averages.
Say you spend (per unit/acre1)
$72 with CruiserMaxx APX
$70 with competitor Acceleron® Standard F/I
If you plant 155,000 seeds/acre, then:
1) Find cost per seed1
CruiserMaxx APX: $72 ÷ 155,000 = $0.0004645
Acceleron: $70 ÷ 155,000 = $0.0004516
2) Multiply by emerged plants from the trial1
CruiserMaxx APX: $0.0004645 × 149,846 = $69.61/acre
Acceleron: $0.0004516 × 125,453 = $56.66/acre
That difference in stand translates to about a $12.95/acre ROI advantage at emergence for CruiserMaxx APX. This means you didn’t waste the seed you purchased, and you’re getting more out of your seed investment.
The calculations depicted herein are hypothetical in nature using estimated numbers and are for illustrative purposes only. Actual results will vary. Calculations are not a guarantee of similar results.

2. FASTER CANOPY

Soybeans treated with CruiserMaxx APX helps soybeans emerge faster and reach canopy closure quicker.
The exclusive Cruiser® Vigor Effect within CruiserMaxx APX is proven to deliver bigger, healthier, stronger plants that make more efficient use of sunlight, water and soil nutrients.

3. MORE YIELD POTENTIAL

CruiserMaxx APX offers a 2- to 5-bushel yield advantage over competitive seed treatment brands.
Early-season disease can start sucking yield potential from your soybeans from day one. Powerful protection from soilborne and seedborne disease results in healthier, more robust root systems. Better roots mean better growth — and better yields!

DO THE MATH:

Say the price of soybeans is:
$12/bushel
X 2-bushel advantage with CruiserMaxx APX
= +$24/acre ROI advantage, and that’s on the low end!
Say we go for the high end:
$12/bushel
X 5-bushel advantage with CruiserMaxx APX
= +$60/acre ROI advantage!

ADD IT ALL UP…

More plants + Faster Canopy
+$12.95/acre
+ 2-bushel bump
+$24/acre
= an estimated +$36.95/acre ROI advantage1,2, and that’s against competitor treatments — NOT untreated seed!
In this example hyopthetical situation, by choosing a premium seed treatment like CruiserMaxx APX, you’d only spend about $2 more per acre — and get $36.95 back.
That’s a ~18X1,2 return on investment!

THE BOTTOM LINE IS…

Not all seed treatments are created equal — and the proof is in the profitability. For premium protection that truly pays off at harvest, choose a high-quality Syngenta brand like CruiserMaxx APX.
Sources:
1Syngenta Trials in Dixon, IL; 2021.
2ROI is based on plant stand and yield calculations at an estimated 155K planting population and estimated seed/seed treatment costs based on market averages.
Acceleron® is a registered trademark of Bayer Group.
Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status.

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Syngenta Crop Protection celebrates 25 years of advancements that have redefined what’s possible in agriculture. This milestone builds on a legacy that started more than 250 years ago with the founding of Swiss chemical company Geigy. From cutting-edge crop chemistries and game-changing digital tools, Syngenta innovations have empowered growers across the country and helped shape the future of food production.

Let’s take a trip back in time to see where we’ve been and where we’re headed!

Where it all began…

1758: The Swiss chemical company Geigy is founded, beginning the legacy of Syngenta — a word derived from the Greek root “syn” and the Latin word “gens” to mean “bringing people together”.
2000: Novartis and AstraZeneca merged their agribusinesses to form Syngenta, the first global company dedicated solely to advancing the world of agriculture.

The wheels of innovation begin to turn…

2001: Callisto® corn herbicide is introduced, breaking massive barriers in crop-safe weed control. The same year, the digital AgriEdge® dedicated agribusiness partnership is launched, changing the game for growers and giving them actionable data long before the days of mainstream precision ag.
2002: Syngenta takes the lead in tackling herbicide resistance in the U.S., launching the nationwide Resistance Fighter® program in response to accelerating weed resistance to herbicides.

Growing our capabilities from the ground up…

2007: The Syngenta Seedcare Institute in Stein, Switzerland opens its
doors as the first global hub dedicated to advancing seed treatment science
and stewardship.

Kicking pests and taking names…

2009: Avicta® Complete Corn seed treatment is unveiled, delivering next-level seedling protection from early-season nematode, insect and disease damage. That same year, Science magazine named Syngenta as a Top 20 Biotech & Pharma employer.
Avicta Complete Corn 250 is a Restricted Use Pesticide.

Smart science meets sustainability…

2013: The Advanced Crop Lab, a first-of-its kind greenhouse and research facility, opens at the Syngenta RTP Innovation Center in North Carolina. Also
in 2013, our first global sustainability initiative is launched: The Good Growth Plan.
2015: Acuron® corn herbicide hits the market after EPA registration, setting a powerful new standard in broad-spectrum weed control for American growers. Several groundbreaking products with the same novel AI, bicyclopyrone, follow suit, including Acuron GT (2021) and Storen® (2023).
2015: SOLATENOL® technology, a breakthrough SDHI fungicide that provides long-lasting control against major diseases, is launched following EPA registration; brands include Aprovia® (2016), Elatus® (2016) and Trivapro® (2016).
2018: ADEPIDYN® technology receives EPA registration as a novel AI used to develop powerful new fungicides, including Miravis® Neo, Miravis Prime, Miravis Ace and Miravis Top.
Acuron is a Restricted Use Pesticide.

Transformations & new beginnings…

2016: The Syngenta Seedcare Institute opens its expanded U.S. facility in Stanton, Minnesota, driving continued innovation in seedcare technology.
2016: Women in Agribusiness recognizes Syngenta as employer of the year, and Syngenta acquires Ag Connections, LLC to accelerate its growth as a digital solutions provider.

Leading the world in next-gen solutions…

2020: Syngenta AG, ADAMA and Sinochem merge to form Syngenta Group, a global leader in agricultural innovation with smart science at the forefront. In the same year, Syngenta Group purchases Valagro, a market-leading producer of innovative biologicals — and an industry that is poised to double in size by 2025.
2020 – 2022: Saltro®, a breakthrough soybean fungicide seed treatment, CruiserMaxx® APX soybean seed treatment, and Tendovo® broad-spectrum residual soybean herbicide receive EPA approval, giving soybean growers new tools to combat diseases, insects and weeds.
2022: Syngenta Crop Protection AG acquires NemaTrident® and UniSpore®, two next-gen bioinsecticides from Bionema Limited, a leading biocontrol developer. The Cropwise™ digital farming platform is launched, featuring tools and services that optimize the farming operation and work together on one platform.
2023: Syngenta boosts its biologicals portfolio through key investments, including the formation of Syngenta Biologicals and the acquisition of a suite of natural products from Novartis. Also in 2023, Syngenta pioneer Mary-Dell Chilton is awarded the National Medal of Technology & Innovation, celebrating her groundbreaking contributions to ag biotech.

2024: First, Syngenta teams up with Enko® to harness the power of artificial intelligence to develop precision-targeted herbicide solutions in a safe, sustainable way. Then, a pivotal strategic partnership with McDonald’s USA and Lopez Foods paves the way to producing beef more sustainably in the U.S.
2025: Syngenta collaborates with PepsiCo to set up a rewards program for growers who commit to regenerative farming practices.
2025: Two crop protection technologies are anticipated to receive EPA regulatory approval:
PLINAZOLIN® technology – Will control broad-spectrum insect pressure with no known resistance or cross-resistance to other insecticides.
TYMIRIUM® technology – Will control nematode pests and disease.
PLINAZOLIN and TYMIRIUM are not yet registered for sale or use in the U.S. and are not being offered for sale.

But the journey doesn’t stop here! In a look toward the future, Syngenta remains committed to driving bold, groundbreaking innovation that helps growers and other ag professionals thrive, while sustainably feeding the world and protecting the planet for generations to come.

Follow the future of ag with us at SyngentaThrive.com

Acuron and Avicta Complete Corn 250 are Restricted Use Pesticides. For use by certified applicators only. Growers planting Avicta treated seed are not required to be certified applicators. Avicta technology is protected by U.S. Patent No. 6,875,727.
Avicta Complete Corn is an on-seed application of Avicta Complete Corn 250 alone or in combination with sufficient Cruiser 5FS insecticide to deliver 0.25, 0.50 or 1.25 mg ai/seed insecticide.

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Today’s top colleges and universities offer a wide range of ag-related majors — each tailored to fit different strengths, passions and future career paths. Take a virtual trip to campus with us to see what’s new and what’s needed for the next generation of ag experts.

Right now, the industry is facing a shortage of:

Digital Ag Experts & Data Scientists

Biochemists, Plant Biologists & Plant Pathologists

Environmental Engineers

Crop Protection Specialists

“Through programs like Future Farmers of America and Agriculture Future of America, we can see that ag education is still sought after and embraced by students. Agriculture is such an important industry, and our careers are, in part, responsible for helping to feed the world.”  – Taylor Thornton, Syngenta Communications Manager

FINDING NEW NICHES

Ag is ever evolving — and so are related majors. These notable new offerings are quickly gaining momentum:

Regenerative Ag & Soil Science

Agricultural Automation & Robotics

Organic/Sustainable Food & Bioenergy Systems

Digital Agriculture & Urban Agriculture

“It’s important that we ensure agriculture-related majors and careers are accessible to people of all backgrounds and experiences, because sometimes the best perspectives and ideas can come from the most unexpected places.”

 

BLAZING THE BEST TRAIL

Based on current trends, industry needs and post-graduate placement statistics, these five concentrations are pulling ahead for 2025 and beyond:

 

  1. Agricultural & Biological Engineering
  • Overview: Both agricultural and biological tracks apply engineering principles to solve problems and develop new technology in ag/food production and natural resource management, focusing on improving efficiency and sustainability
  • Study guide: Coursework includes topics like engineering design & farm machinery mechanics, water-soil systems, renewable energy and bioprocesses; learning how to develop smarter equipment, more efficient irrigation and more sustainable infrastructure
  • Why it’s an A+ move: Strong job placement potential as more farms modernize; future careers in equipment design, renewable energy and resource conservation

 

  1. Precision Agriculture & Data Science/Analytics
  • Overview: In this field of study, students use technology and data analysis principles to enable data-backed decisions and systems that improve efficiency and productivity on the farm
  • Study guide: Leveraging tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), remote sensing & drone/sensor applications, Internet of Things (IoT), predictive modeling and computer programming to optimize real-world ag practices and tools, from variable-rate applications and moisture mapping to automated scouting
  • Why it’s an A+ move: Addresses industry talent shortage, as more operations need analysts and technicians to help reduce costs and boost yields; with AI, robotics and digital farming on the rise, students in this field of study are set to lead the next ag tech revolution

 

  1. Crop Science/Agronomy
  • Overview: Students gain a foundational understanding of basic plant science, soil management, irrigation and crop production techniques, with opportunities to pursue careers both in and out of the ag industry
  • Study guide: Curriculum can include plant physiology, plant genetics and breeding, weed and pest management, soil fertility, ecology, environmental studies and sustainability
  • Why it’s an A+ move: High post-grad placement rate with likelihood for multiple job offers; strong crop protection industry need to combat weeds, insects, disease and climate change with sustainable solutions

 

  1. Biochemistry & Biotechnology
  • Overview: This degree blends the study of chemical processes in living organisms with technological applications that leverage biological systems, setting students up for success in careers developing new seed traits and sustainable crop protection technology
  • Study guide: Areas of study include molecular biology, genetics, biotech and bioinformatics, enzymology, chemical engineering and plant pathology
  • Why it’s an A+ move: Rising industry need for plant scientists and biotech experts will open many post-grad doors for innovators in R&D, seed labs, regulatory and more
  1. Agricultural Business & Economics
  • Overview: In this field of study, students learn essential business skills plus a foundational understanding of the ag industry in a rapidly evolving economy, preparing for careers that range from marketing and sales to ag policy and consulting
  • Study guide: Core business fundamentals (management, marketing, finance, accounting, supply chain, etc.), agricultural economics, trade economics, trade policy and crop production, with opportunities to study ag-related sciences (plant, animal, food)
  • Why it’s an A+ move: Extremely high post-grad placement; students equipped with the skills needed to manage supply chains, food security and changing regulatory policies are and will continue to be in high demand

SETTING A PATH FOR SUCCESS

For aspiring students looking to grow into a future-proofed career in ag, a few seeds of wisdom:

  • Expect emerging fields like precision ag and organic systems to increase in popularity and demand
  • Choose coursework that blends plant-focused science with tech or business training
  • Seek hands-on internships and volunteer work for experience and insights you can take to the field

College programs with strong placement + hands-on experience = a solid pathway straight to the field — and into successful roles with innovative ag companies like ours. Visit Syngenta-us.com/careers to explore available internships and future career opportunities!

© 2025 Syngenta. Thrive® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective third-party owners.

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Grab your magnifying glass — it’s time to test those ID skills! Use this guide to determine which corn disease threat you’re looking at and how to treat it.

ANTHRACNOSE

Caused by: Colletotrichum truncatum

Thrives in: High temps, wet weather

Infects at: Seedling phase or full maturity

Looks like: Long, tan to reddish-brown oval lesions, with possible raised dark spots; affects lower leaves, travels upward

Results in: Damage to leaf tissue, reduced stalk strength and yield potential

Pro tip: Reach for a long-lasting fungicide when you ID Anthracnose! In Kentucky trials, Trivapro® fungicide provided up to 42 days of residual control and added 60 bu/A over untreated1.          

COMMON RUST

Caused by: Puccinia sorghi

Thrives in: Moderate temps, high humidity, heavy dew, 6+ hours of leaf wetness

Infects in: June, July

Looks like: Southern rust, but smaller, lighter pustules; more densely packed on the leaf surface

Results in: Damage to leaf tissue, reduced yield

Pro tip: Scout often and early! A preventive application of Trivapro fungicide can help protect leaf tissue and reduce yield loss.

DIPLODIA EAR ROT

Caused by: Stenocarpella maydis, Stenocarpella macropora

Thrives in: Moderate temps, wet conditions; most severe in no-till or reduce-till in corn fields followed by corn

Infects: At and up to 3 weeks post-R1 or silk

Looks like: White mold, which later turns gray-brown

Results in: Reduced grain quality, reduced yield

Pro tip: Apply Miravis® Neo fungicide at R1 to help suppress Diplodia ear rot and support healthy ear development, especially in high-residue, corn-on-corn fields.

FUSARIUM EAR ROT

Caused by: Fusarium verticilliodes

Thrives in: Warm, wet weather before harvest

Infects: Infects at silking, often after insect or hail damage; symptoms appear at R5–R6

Looks like: Scattered clusters of white to lavender kernels with brown streaks throughout the length of the ear

Results in: Increased mycotoxins, reduced grain quality, reduced yield

Pro tip: When late season-ear damage opens the door to Fusarium ear rot, turn to a R1 application of Miravis Neo fungicide, one of the few fungicides labeled for suppression.

GIBBERELLA EAR ROT

Caused by: Gibberella zeae, the teleomorph stage of Fusarium graminearum

Thrives in: Cooler conditions during silking; overwinters in soil (> 68° F for spore maturation)

Infects at: Silk

Looks like: White to pink mold at ear tip; moves towards base

Results in: Increased vomitoxin (deoxynivalenol, or DON), and other toxins, reduced grain quality, reduced yield

Pro tip: Wet weather at silking? Apply Miravis Neo fungicide at green silk to R1 to help protect corn ears and support clean, high-quality grain.

GRAY LEAF SPOT

Caused by: Cercospora zeae-maydis

Thrives in: Warm, humid weather

Infects in: June, typically in corn on corn fields

Looks like: Long, narrow, rectangular light tan lesions delimited at leaf veins

Results in: Damage to leaf tissue, reduced yield

Pro tip:  Gray leaf spot reduces the photosynthetic leaf area needed for grain fill and can weaken plants prematurely. Apply Miravis Neo fungicide and remove crop residue to prevent overwintering.

NORTHERN CORN LEAF BLIGHT (NCLB)

Caused by: Exserohilum turcicum

Thrives in: Moderate to warm temps, moist conditions, extended leaf wetness

Infects: Pre-VT through senescence; rain and wind help spores spread

Looks like: Long, gray-green to tan cigar-shaped lesions form on lower leaves; travel upward through season

Results in: Damage to leaf tissue, reduced yield

Pro tip: Northern corn leaf blight can hit hard, taking out leaf area needed for grain fill. Keep plants performing with a timely tassel application of Miravis Neo fungicide.

SOUTHERN RUST

Caused by: Puccinia polysora

Thrives in: High humidity, high temperatures

Infects in: June or July

Looks like: Light orange to red-colored oval pustules, densely scattered on leaf surface

Results in: Damage to leaf tissue, reduced yield

Pro tip: Southern rust thrives in hot, humid conditions and can quickly take over the upper canopy. Protect leaf tissue during kernel fill with long-lasting residual control from Trivapro® fungicide.

TAR SPOT

Caused by: Phyllachora maydis

Thrives in: Cool, humid conditions, prolonged leaf wetness

Infects in: Late summer; can overwinter in residue

Looks like: Small, raised, circular black spots that don’t rub off; affects lower leaves first. Older leaves and stressed plants tend to be more susceptible than newer leaves and younger plants.

Results in: Damage to leaf tissue, stalks and husks, lodging, reduced yield

Pro tip: Late-season tar spot can strip leaf tissue and wear down stalks fast. Apply Miravis Neo or Trivapro at VT/R1 for strong disease control. In trials2, Miravis Neo helped deliver 245.7 bu/A compared to 216.2 bu/A untreated.

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Know what you’re looking for when scouting soybean fields! This ID guide helps you identify the most common soybean disease threats — and gives tips on how to treat them.

BROWN SPOT
Caused by: Septoria glycines
Thrives in: Warm, humid conditions
Infects: As early as first true leaves
Looks like: Light to dark brown lesions on lower leaves with possible yellowing; more irregular as they expand
Results in: Damage to leaf tissue, defoliation, reduced yield
Pro tip: An in-season application of Miravis® Neo fungicide helps protect the lower canopy from early defoliation and keeps plants greener longer.

CERCOSPORA LEAF BLIGHT
Caused by: Cercospora kukuchii
Thrives in: Warm, moist conditions, mostly in Southern geographies
Infects at: Seed set
Looks like: Light purple pinpoint spots on upper leaf surface that expand to irregular patches; leaves become leathery and purple
Results in: Damage to leaf tissue, reduced seed quality (purple stain), reduced yield
Pro tip: Combine crop rotation, tillage, and Miravis Neo fungicide to help protect plant health and support a stronger finish at harvest.

FROGEYE LEAF SPOT
Caused by: Cercospora sojina
Thrives in: Warm, humid environments
Infects: Severity increases as plants mature at R3-R5
Looks like: Small, dark, water-soaked circular lesions with gray-brown border on young leaves
Results in: Damage to leaf tissue, reduced yield
Pro tip: By the time you see frogeye leaf spot, it’s already spreading. Apply Miravis Top or Miravis Neo fungicide at R3 to protect green tissue during pod fill.

POWDERY MILDEW
Caused by: Microsphaera diffusa
Thrives in: 60–70°F, damp conditions
Infects in: May to July
Looks like: Raised, fluffy or powdery white spots on lower leaves
Results in: Damage to leaf tissue, reduced yield
Pro tip: A timely application of Miravis Neo fungicide helps stop powdery mildew from creeping up the canopy and cutting into pod fill.

RED CROWN ROT
Caused by: Calonectria ilicicola
Thrives in: 77–86°F, wet conditions
Infects: At planting/early-season (soilborne)
Looks like: Brick red mushroom-like structures at base of plant; yellow speckled spots on leaves (similar to SDS)
Results in: Poor stands; root damage; reduced water and nutrient uptake, leaf tissue damage, reduced yield
Pro tip: Red crown rot is an emerging threat that’s still on the move! Start strong with Saltro® seed treatment* to protect your soybean roots early and suppress infection before it threatens yield potential.

SUDDEN DEATH SYNDROME (SDS)
Caused by: Fusarium virguliforme, often in fields with active soybean cyst nematode
Thrives in: Cool, wet conditions
Infects: At planting/early-season (soilborne); visible symptoms appear in August
Looks like: Yellow-brown flecks on leaves (similar to brown stem rot); blue mold present on taproot
Results in: Damage to leaf tissue, reduced water and nutrient uptake, reduced yield
Pro tip: Protect roots early with Saltro seed treatment, which delivered an average yield boost of 3.1 bu/A1 over ILEVO® in trials under SDS pressure.

TARGET SPOT
Caused by: Corynespora cassiicola
Thrives in: Warm, wet conditions
Infects at: Canopy to R6, beginning with the lower leaves
Looks like: Round to irregular dark brown spots on lower leaves with yellow halos that resemble targets
Results in: Damage to leaf tissue, heavy defoliation, reduced yield
Pro tip: Target spot thrives when humidity runs high and the canopy becomes dense. Apply Miravis Top fungicide at R3 to stay ahead of leaf damage and hold onto yield.

WHITE MOLD
Caused by: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Thrives in: Cool temps, wet soil, high humidity
Infects: At flowering; can survive in soil for 6–10 years
Looks like: Fluffy white substance; trumpet-shaped, mushroom-like structures in soil at plant base
Results in: Damage to plant tissue, reduced yield potential
Pro tip: When flowering starts under cool, wet conditions, white mold risk goes up fast. Apply Miravis Neo fungicide at R1-R2 to protect your canopy and help suppress white mold before it sets in.

PHYTOPHTHORA ROOT ROT
Caused by: Phytophthora sojae
Thrives in: Warm, wet conditions and poorly drained soils
Infects: At planting and early-season
Looks like: Brown stem lesions near the soil line; plants wilt and collapse
Results in: Root damage, stand loss, reduced water uptake, yield decline
Pro tip: Prevent early stand loss due to Phytophthora, protect roots and boost emergence with CruiserMaxx® APX seed treatment, containing two strong modes of action against Phytophthora, delivering a 2 to 5 bu/A advantage over untreated seed in Ohio State trials2.

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Let’s talk markets…

  • Bloomberg Grains Subindex
    • ⬇️Down 17% in 2024 (lowest since 2020)
  • Falling commodity futures
    • 🌽 Corn (ZCK25) down ~40% from 2022 and ~46% from period high (4/25/22)
    • 🌱 Soybeans (ZSK25) down ~40% from 2022 and 44% from period high (6/6/22)
  • 📖Historically, the best move is to invest consistently for better ROI:
    • Since 1957, the S&P 500 index has maintained an average annual return of over 10% despite many financial and global crises during that period.

Protecting your bottom line

  • Investing in high-performing crop protection products with proven yield bumps gives you the best shot at improving your outcomes:
    • From 2014 – 2019, an average increase in corn productivity of only made the difference between making a profit or not.*

Let’s do the math…

  • Trivapro®
    corn fungicide can deliver +14 bu/A1 on average over untreated fields.

    • At a commodity price of $4.52/bu, that means +$6,328 of extra potential revenue per 100 acres applied!
  • Tendovo®
    soybean herbicide can provide +4-5 bu/A2 over competitive products.

    • At a commodity price of $10.12/bu, that means +$5,060 of extra potential revenue per 100 acres applied!

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For the full pest preparation blueprint, check out the Crop Protection Program Inspection.

FOR GRADE A YIELD POTENTIAL, BUILD A ROBUST, SEASON-LONG PROGRAM

It Starts With a Solid Foundation

A safe home needs to have good bones. Protecting seedlings from the start can help boost yield potential:

  • Choose a soybean seed treatment that helps plants emerge healthier, with proven protection acting as insurance for your seed investment. Using CruiserMaxx® APX alongside Saltro® protects your soybeans at their most vulnerable stage from SDS, SCN, Pythium, Phytophthora and more, while also delivering stronger plant stands, larger root mass and faster speed-to-canopy – which adds up to higher potential yields.
  • Make a preemergence herbicide application containing multiple modes of action and strong residuals, like Storen® for corn or Tendovo® for soybeans. Using these herbicides prevents weed from robbing key nutrients from your crop.
  • Use a corn herbicide like Storen or Acuron® in a two-pass program to provide season-long weed control of 70+ grass and broadleaf weeds that helps fully protect your yield potential.

But It Doesn’t Stop There

A house can still fall without proper upkeep and maintenance. Avoid long-term issues by managing weeds through crop canopy:

  • Control the seed, not the weed. Weed seeds can open the door to thousands more next season and create the potential for increased resistance.
  • Dual Magnum® postemergence residual herbicide, when used following Tendovo, helps soybean fields stay clean throughout the season, preventing late-season weed competition.
  • Consider a tank mix of powerful wheat herbicides. Talinor® herbicide can be tank mixed with Axial® Star or Axial Bold herbicides to customize management of tough grass and broadleaf weeds, such as Italian ryegrass, wild oat, kochia and Russian thistle.

A Healthy Home is a Happy Home

There’s surviving, and then there’s thriving! Reducing crop stress is key to boosting bushels:

  • Be proactive with fungicide By the time you spot the disease, it’s often too late to control it.
  • Preventive fungicide applications not only protect your crop from yield-robbing diseases but can help boost overall crop health. The Syngenta portfolio of fungicides, – including Miravis® Ace for wheat, Miravis Top for soybeans, Miravis Neo for corn or soybeans and Trivapro® for corn – provide those plant-health benefits while controlling disease for maximum potential yield.

Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite

Call the exterminator! Proactive insect pest management can save you from a tough time:

  • Scout frequently and consider tank mixing an insecticide with your fungicide to protect yields. Multiple insect pests, each below threshold levels, can reduce yield, so don’t wait for individual insect populations to boom. Instead, be proactive and spray Endigo® ZCX insecticide when soybean fungicide goes down.
  • Consider tank mixing an insecticide with your corn starter fertilizer at-planting to minimize pest damage and preserve plant health.