News Details

On 8 April 2026, the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) announced the approval of the fungicide Vibrance Premium for use as a seed treatment to control diseases in potatoes. The potato industry in New Zealand generates approximately $1 billion each year, according to Potatoes New Zealand. 

Product Composition and Use 

Vibrance Premium, introduced by Syngenta Crop Protection Limited, is primarily used to control potato diseases. It contains 40 g/L sedaxane (CAS No, 874967-67-6) and 50 g/L fludioxonil (131341-86-1), combining two active ingredients in a single formulation. 

The product is applied to potato seed tubers prior to planting. It helps control diseases such as black scurf, silver scurf, black dot, Fusarium dry rot, and gangrene, while also suppressing common scab. Fludioxonil is already approved in New Zealand in other formulations for controlling Rhizoctonia (black scurf and stem canker) and silver scurf. 

By combining two active ingredients in a single formulation, the product provides effective management of a broad spectrum of soil-borne, seed-borne, and storage diseases affecting potatoes. 

Risk Assessment and Use Conditions 

EPA has carried out human health and environmental risk assessments for this fungicide, concluding that the risks associated with the substance are low and can be adequately managed with appropriate controls. 

Vibrance Premium has also been approved for use in Australia and Europe. However, its use is restricted to trained professional operators and is not permitted for the general public.