Syngenta launches breakthrough seed treatment nematicide

BASEL, Switzerland, May 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

- Novel innovation against damaging nematodes
- First commercial product from Pasteuria Bioscience acquisition
- Initial launch in USA for use on soybeans; further registrations pending

Syngenta announced today the launch of CLARIVA™, a proprietary seed treatment nematicide based on the Pasteuria technology acquired in 2012.

CLARIVA consists of naturally occurring soil bacteria with a unique, direct mode of action on nematodes: microscopic worm-shaped soil organisms, which cause significant damage to all major agricultural crops.

Syngenta Chief Operating Officer, John Atkin, said: "Soybean growers in particular have long been searching for additional tools to manage the widespread cyst nematode problem, which in the USA alone causes more than a billion dollars of annual yield losses. CLARIVA will take nematode control to a new level and reinforce our global leadership in seed treatment innovation."

Multi-year field trial data demonstrate that CLARIVA delivers immediate and long-lasting protection of plant root systems resulting in significant yield benefits.

CLARIVA will be available in the USA for the 2014 growing season. It will be combined with other leading Syngenta seed care compounds as a complete solution for soybeans. Further registrations across major crops worldwide are planned.

Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 27,000 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 http://www.syngenta.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefor.

                                                      Analyst/Investor
                                                      contacts:
    Syngenta International
    AG                                                Jennifer Gough

    Media Office             Media contacts:          Switzerland +41 61 323
                                                      5059
    CH-4002 Basel            Paul Barrett
                                                      USA +1 202 737 6521
    Switzerland              Switzerland +41 61 323
                             2323                     Lars Oestergaard
    Tel: +41 61 323 2323
                             Paul Minehart            Switzerland +41 61 323
    Fax: +41 61 323 2424                              6793
                             USA + 1 202 737 8913
    http://www.syngenta.com                           USA +1 202 737 6520

SOURCE SYNGENTA CROP PROTECTION AG