Syngenta says the launch of their new fungicide active for turf disease control now gives a powerful combination of curative and contact plus systemic properties for reliable turf protection outside and in the plant.

Now approved for Microdochium control in the United Kingdom, Instrata Elite combines the new active ingredient, difenoconazole, with the performance of fludioxonil. Together, the complementary actives target different stages of disease life cycles for flexible application timing and reliable results.


Marcela Munoz, Syngenta’s Technical Manager

Marcela Munoz, Syngenta’s Technical Manager, said extensive trials have shown Instrata Elite is highly effective against key turf foliar diseases, to protect plant health and playing surface quality. Importantly, the new approval gives the opportunity for two applications per year.

“The unique properties of Instrata Elite rapidly bind the actives onto the leaf wax layer,” said Munoz. “The fludioxonil component stays locked into the leaf wax to provide a protective contact coating that stops disease spores germinating and prevents infection of the plant.

“At the same time, the difenoconazole component immediately starts to flow from the leaf wax into the leaf. It targets disease already active in the leaf, providing early curative activity and preventing symptoms breaking out,” she added.

The flow of difenoconazole from the leaf wax reservoir provides systemic protection throughout the plant, to protect new growth and ensure lasting results.

Crucially, with Instrata Elite safely locked onto the leaf wax within 30 minutes of application, it is unaffected by rain or irrigation wash-off ensuring reliable results.

Munoz highlighted that two applications of Instrata Elite per year will give greater flexibility to effectively target disease for longer through difficult high risk periods.

The new approval covers golf and amenity turf, along with sports pitches and stadia, she added.