A new kind of soft fruit fungicide that promises to improve yield, quality and shelf life could be available to UK growers this season, Syngenta has announced.

Code-named A9219B in trials, the new fungicide has so far been submitted for registration for use on protected and outdoor strawberries, vining peas and green beans.

It offers broad-spectrum disease control and contains two new active ingredients - fludioxonil and cyprodinil - which Syngenta says provides long lasting protection on leaf surface as well as systemic movement within the plant to target disease.

Trials have shown A9219B can control Botrytis and Blackspot in strawberries, and provides additional protection against Powdery Mildew. In vegetable crops the broad-spectrum of activity includes Botrytis, Sclerotinia, Ascochyta and Alternaria.

The company hopes to make further submissions for applications in a range of other soft fruit and vegetable crops.

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