Feb 23, 2016

Syngenta adds extension agent to Resistance Fighter Leadership Program

Syngenta welcomed Gene McAvoy,a vegetable extension agent with University of Florida, as the 2015 member to the Resistance Fighter Leadership Program. Formed to honor advisors who help growers manage resistance, the program provides members with opportunities to expand their resistance knowledge and a platform to share that knowledge with others, Syngenta said.

McAvoy holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Rutgers University. He is currently responsible for developing and implementing educational programs for vegetable producers in five counties in southwest Florida, covering topics such as integrated pest management and vegetable nutrition.

“Throughout my career working in vegetable crops in South Florida, I’ve seen diseases, insects and weeds develop resistance to traditional management programs,” McAvoy said. “It is important to incorporate integrated pest management and other methods to complement chemical programs, and becoming a member of this program is a good way to get the word out there.”

A few years ago, McAvoy saw western flower thrips populations developing resistance to certain insecticides. Acting quickly and with great success, he helped promote grower cultivation of refugia for beneficial insects, Syngenta said. Populations of western flower thrips returned to insecticide-susceptible levels, showing how proactive management helps preserve existing management tools, the company said.

“Resistance issues are an ever-increasing challenge in agriculture,” said David Laird, head of product biology at Syngenta. “We are proud to partner with advisors like Gene, who meet those challenges head on and help find solutions to preserve the tools we have.”

For more information about the program and past winners, visit the Resistance Fighter Leadership Program website.