FMC signs agreement for access to new fungicide

FMC Corporation signed an exclusive distribution and development agreement with Consumo em Verde (CEV), Biotecnologia das Plantas, S.A. of Portugal for a unique patented fungicidal active ingredient, blad, which has a new mode of action. FMC Agricultural Products Group will develop and market the fungicide in the United States and Canada as Problad Plus for all crop and non-crop uses.

Problad Plus was developed over the past 10 years by researchers at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA) at Lisbon University, Portugal. The new fungicide is effective on a broad spectrum of difficult to control plant diseases affecting tomatoes, strawberries, grapes and nut crops. Registration for Problad Plus has been submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with an anticipated approval as a biopesticide in early 2013.

FMC began additional testing of Problad Plus on key crops in California and Florida in 2011 and plans an extensive field trial program throughout North America for 2012. FMC plans to expand the registration to additional crops in the near future. 

“Obtaining access to additional products has been a key strategic initiative for FMC’s North America crop business and Problad Plus will allow us to offer a broad-spectrum fungicide with a new unique mode of action that growers can use in their disease control program,” said Bob Trogele, North America area director, FMC Agricultural Products. “This will be a key integrated pest management addition to our rapidly expanding tree, fruit and vegetable crop segment portfolio and its plant-based production process makes it a great example of modern pest control that is sustainable.” 

“Problad Plus is new and unique technology that has demonstrated performance in field trials better than or equal to currently used industry standard traditional fungicides,” said Neil DeStefano, North America director of business and product development, FMC Agricultural Products. “CEV was looking for a partner to develop and commercialize their exciting new technology and FMC was able to demonstrate this as one of our key core competencies.”

Field trials have demonstrated efficacy on a broad spectrum of difficult-to-control diseases such as botrytis, powdery mildew, anthracnose as well as others.

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