Sygenta introduces MODDUS®, the smart sugarcane ripener

Syngenta, South Africa’s pioneer in innovative agricultural technology proudly introduces MODDUS®, its new, smart sugarcane ripener that enhances the quality of cane, helps growers boost sugar yields and ultimately delivers a higher return on investment to the grower. Statistics from the SA Cane Grower’s Association indicate that South Africa has approximately 24,000 independent sugar cane growers. Annually they produce almost 20 million tons of cane. It is therefore vital that the technology and products available to our growers are of the highest quality and of world-class standard, this underpins the need for MODDUS to our sugarcane growers. The benefits of using MODDUS are vast and favourable, but it is worth highlighting that MODDUS does not kill the stalk growing point, and therefore allows for a flexible application window. It also has the ability to ripen more mature cane than other hormonal ripeners and it serves no risk to non-target crops in the case of drift. MODDUS can be used on both early and late season ripening. MODDUS enables better management of spray programs, increased harvest efficiency as adverse weather does not pose a risk due to less lodging and better standability. In many production areas the environmental drivers inducing natural ripening are not optimal during part of the harvest season. Nitrogen, crop age, temperature and water stress are the main factors that infl uence the direct or indirect accumulation of sucrose in the natural ripening process. Therefore, it is also important to note that MODDUS enhances profi tability by increasing sucrose yields. Antonie Delport, MD of Syngenta SA says: “Although our country is seeing some hope for improved yields, many growers are still challenged by the effects of the long and severe drought. The development of MODDUS can only come as good news to our sugarcane industry.” MODDUS is a plant growth regulator which shortens internodes and new leaves emerging after application. Crop height is reduced by the shortening of the internodes. This smart sugarcane ripener is quickly absorbed by the leaves and stems and has no root or soil activity and it is also rainfast in just 2 hours after application. To get the best results, MODDUS should be applied under good growing conditions with adequate soil moisture. The development of MODDUS is in line with the objective of Syngenta’s Good Growth Plan to grow more food while using fewer resources. It is also supported by Syngenta’s SmartFarm initiative which encourages our growers to reconsider traditional farming methods by employing a smarter, scientifically-backed approach.