Hundreds of top Canadian corn growers attended the first day of the Syngenta G32 Summit in London, ON today to learn how new scientific research can be applied to dramatically increase corn yields. The G32 Summit, organized by Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc. takes place today and tomorrow (March 10 and 11) as a special event at the Western Fair Farm Show and brings together an expert panel to provide the latest research data to help corn growers maximize yields and grow more from less.

A key highlight of today’s session was a presentation by Dr. Clarence Swanton, Professor at the Department of Crop Science, University of Guelph and internationally renowned researcher, who shared new science demonstrating that by avoiding weeds before they start, corn growers can get an average of 32 more kernels on every ear of corn.

“Getting more kernels on the ear is the goal of every corn grower because more kernels translate directly into more dollars,” said Nathan Klages, Customer Marketing Manager - Corn, Soybeans and Edible Beans at Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc. “This research is changing the way Ontario farmers grow corn, allowing them to produce more and increase their profits without increasing their acreage. Simply put, this research is helping our producers grow more from less.”

The 32 kernel increase not only means more profit for growers – it means more corn for a world that relies increasingly on this crop for food, feed and fuel. “If every corn grower in Ontario were to get an extra 32 kernels from each cob of corn, this would translate into an additional 170 million litres of ethanol, 480 million boxes (500g size) of corn starch, 225 million Kg of sweetener, or food to produce 35,000 Kg more beef or 220,000 Kg more chicken – all from the same amount of available farm land,” says Klages.

Dr. Swanton’s initial research showed that corn changes its growth pattern when it emerges in the presence of weeds.

On the basis of this scientific research, Syngenta developed the Foundation Acre™, a yield management program consisting of a pre-emergent application of Primextra® II Magnum®. This practice, not only prevents weeds, but also sets corn on a pathway to achieve maximum yield. This latest research shows that by producing an extra 32 kernels per ear, the Foundation Acre approach can result in an average increase of up to 9.5 bu/acre.

Other presenters at the G32 Summit included Dr. Allan Gray, Professor and Director of the Centre for Food and Agricultural Business, Purdue University, Indiana, who discussed risk management strategies, and Tara McCaughey, Technical Crop Manager, Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, who discussed overall weed management and yield enhancement techniques in corn production.

“We brought the G32 Summit to the Western Fair Farm Show because we recognize the value of this information to our customers,” said Tommy Jackson, Head – Eastern Business Region, Syngenta Crop Protection Canada. “Ontario growers are smart, strategic businesspeople and it is our pleasure to bring them the latest research, information and insights that help them make critical decisions and get the most from every acre they produce.”

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.