The calendar still says fall, but the busy spring season is right around the corner for nurseries and greenhouses. The diversity of plants in production also brings the challenge of managing and preventing numerous insects and diseases. To ensure your crops remain healthy from propagation to shipping, a structured agronomic program can be an invaluable tool for success.

Build a Preventive Strategy from the Ground Up

Applying the right products at the right times is key to keeping crops protected throughout the spring growing cycle and minimizing the risk of resistance development. Agronomic programs help growers plan ahead with a season-long framework for disease and insect prevention, rotating products with different modes of action. For instance, Botrytis, a common and persistent ornamental disease, requires a preventive strategy for effective control. This disease is known for its ability to rapidly develop resistance, making a planned rotation of fungicides critical. Resources like the Spring Bedding Plants Agronomic Program are designed to help safeguard crops throughout production, storage and shipping by targeting Botrytis and other seasonal diseases with timed applications.

Rotate for Resistance Management

Fungicide product rotations outlined in an agronomic program are researched and tested by technical experts to help delay resistance and maintain product efficacy.
One strong option is Postiva™ fungicide, which provides broad-spectrum protection against Botrytis, powdery mildew and leaf spots, and offers suppression of certain bacterial diseases. Postiva features a combination of two active ingredients unique to the ornamentals market: ADEPIDYN^® technology (FRAC Group 7) and difenoconazole (FRAC Group 3). This dual mode of action enhances disease control while supporting long-term resistance management.

Treatments applied 9/6 and 9/13. Plants inoculated 9/9. Rates listed per 100 gal. 2019 - Hausbeck & Harlan, MSU

 
As part of a comprehensive agronomic program, Postiva can be rotated with Mural^® fungicide, a versatile solution for effective control of ornamental diseases at low use rates. Mural is powered by two active ingredients: SOLATENOL^® technology, an advanced generation SDHI (succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor) and azoxystrobin, a systemic, broad-spectrum strobilurin fungicide. Rotating fungicides with different modes of action, such as Postiva and Mural, supports optimal disease control while promoting proactive resistance management. 

Set the Stage for a Successful Season

A productive spring season starts with preparation. By implementing a preventive agronomic plan, growers can reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and plant stress, ultimately improving crop quality and marketability.

To help guide your planning, download a free agronomic program and give your crops the protection they need for a successful growing season.


Performance assessments are based upon results or analysis of public information, field observations and/or internal Syngenta evaluations. Trial reflects treatment rates commonly recommended in the marketplace.

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.

© 2025 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. ADEPIDYN^®, GreenCast^®, Mural^®, Postiva™, SOLATENOL^® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective third-party owners.