Sign up here to subscribe to the Grower2grower Ezine. Every two weeks you will receive new articles, specific to the protected cropping industry, informing you of industry news and events straight to your inbox.
20
Apr 2026
Apr 2026
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a new fungicide seed treatment to control disease on potatoes.
The New Zealand potato industry is valued at approximately $1 billion annually, according to Potatoes New Zealand.
Syngenta Crop Protection Limited applied to introduce Vibrance Premium, a fungicide containing 40 g/L sedaxane and 50 g/L fludioxonil.
Vibrance Premium can be applied to seed tubers before planting. It will control black scurf, silver scurf, black dot, fusarium dry rot, and gangrene and suppress common scab.
Sedaxane is a new active ingredient to Aotearoa New Zealand. Fludioxonil is approved for use in New Zealand in other products for the control of Rhizoctonia (black scurf and stem canker) and silver scurf. Vibrance Premium is a new mixture of the two active ingredients.
Syngenta Crop Protection Limited says combining the two active ingredients into one formulation will effectively control a broader spectrum of soil-borne, seed-borne, and storage disease in potatoes.
The EPA carried out human health and environmental risk assessments for the fungicide. The risks to human health and the environment are low and any risks can be managed with controls.
Vibrance Premium has been approved for use in Australia and Europe.
EPA Chief Executive Dr Allan Freeth made the decision to approve Vibrance Premium in New Zealand which followed a rigorous-evidence based assessment.
The fungicide can only be used and handled by professional operators and not by the general public.
As the substance is intended for agricultural use, it will also need approval from the Ministry for Primary Industries before it can be used in New Zealand.
For more information contact:
Email: media@epa.govt.nz
CLASSIFIED
Photo
Gallery
Subscribe to our E-Zine
More
From This Category
June 1, 2026
Exploring the Future of Protected Cropping in Asia
Covered Cropping NZ is seeking grower feedback on a proposed study tour to Korea and China, offering first-hand access to some of the world's most innovative greenhouse production systems.
June 1, 2026
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for submissions on a proposal to restrict the use of insecticides containing bifenthrin.
The public consultation runs from 21 May - 21 July 2026.
May 19, 2026
Food Costs in England – “Cheap as Chips in the Supermarket, Astronomical Eating Out”
Yesterday (18 May) I returned from more than three weeks in UK. As usual, my first port of call when arriving in England was the supermarket — and particularly the vegetable section, much to the annoyance of my wife. Before long I was snapping photos of my favourite greenhouse vegetables.
May 19, 2026
New technote for Tomato russet mite
New guidance on the use of chemical miticides for Tomato russet mite control provides growers with a broader range of management options.
May 5, 2026
Increasing cash: why extra height makes the difference for return and future
Raising a greenhouse is not a stopgap measure, but rather a strategic choice:
May 5, 2026
Horticentre Charitable Trust Continues Partnership with Grower2Grower for 2026
“Shared knowledge builds stronger growers and a stronger industry.”
CLASSIFIED
