Amid the bright lights and loud signs at Hort Connections 2025, in the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, stood a tree bearing the symbolism of a big move for Syngenta.
The tree was located within the Syngenta Networking Lounge, where guests sipped complimentary barista-made coffee and excitedly discussed the future of horticulture. Much of this excitement stemmed from the global innovation Vertento insecticide, powered by Plinazolin technology.
Syngenta portfolio lead, Scott Mathew said the tree represented our latest innovation in crop protection.
“Vertento insecticide was recently registered for the control of key pests in almonds, avocados, citrus, macadamias, mangoes and papaya. For most of these crops, it is the first new mode of action in over a decade and presents growers with a real breakthrough in control, residual protection and value.”
Vertento was also the focus of the Syngenta concourse display featuring a trailer designed to support application excellence, something that numerous orchardists have huddled around in recent months at various farms from Griffith to the Burdekin and various stops in between.
For Hort Connections, the trailer helped reveal what makes the novel mode of action so effective, the molecular view made tangible through a captivating animation.
The Vertento trailer also featured a bug dormitory, containing multiple generations of fruit spotting bugs hiding within the host plants. This formed a mini-challenge for visitors to count the bugs for a chance to win one of two RM Williams gift cards, each valued at $600. A little fun, helping put fruit spotting bug under the microscope, with the confidence of a new control option for advisors.
“Fruit spotting bugs are notoriously hard to find as they like to hide under leaves, but the damage they can cause to marketable produce and yield cannot be overstated,” said Mr Mathew.
“Demonstrating this through our competition really brought the challenge tree crop growers are facing every day to a reality.”
Winners of the competition included Jane Harris and Lachlan Donovan, who each received a $600 RM Williams voucher.
One of the key events is always the Syngenta Networking Event where the finalists of the Grower of the Year award are recognised for their contribution to horticulture.
“Each of the finalists has an extraordinary story of innovation, resilience and hard work. We are always honoured to be associated with every finalist and enjoy the anticipation of waiting for the Gala Dinner when the Syngenta Grower of the Year is announced,” said Mr Mathew.
A special feature for this year’s Networking Event was the presence of Federal Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Julie Collins who used the event to announce several areas of funding support for horticulture. Most importantly these included a commitment to provide $1.5 million over three years in support of Hort Connections.
The highlight of the event is always the Gala Dinner and the Syngenta Grower of the Year award, which this year was presented to Jeremy Haw of Hussey & Co.
Celebrating 50 years, Hussey & Co, led by Jeremy Haw, is a top Australian grower, processor, and distributor of premium baby salad leaves. With a nationwide, vertically integrated presence, it supplies major retailers and exports to seven countries. Innovative processing enhances food safety and quality, while precision agriculture cuts waste. A solar farm offsets all energy use, demonstrating their sustainability commitment.
Jeremy’s focus on excellence, employee growth, and industry impact establishes Hussey & Co as a leader in its field.
As lead strategic sponsor of Hort Connections, Syngenta was proud to see the 3500 delegates enjoy this year’s event. Syngenta will in 2026 mark the 20th anniversary of this sponsorship.
