Syngenta and Novozymes commercializing bio-fungicide

Syngenta and Novozymes today announced an exclusive global marketing and distribution agreement to commercialize Taegro, a fermented biological fungicide based on a naturally occurring bacterium, Bacillus subtilis. It offers growers broad-spectrum disease control at very low application rates in a variety of crops. Its multiple modes of action make it highly complementary to Syngenta’s extensive fungicide portfolio.

Taegro effectively targets fungal diseases such as rhizoctonia and fusarium on fruit and vegetables, and its application is expected to be expanded to a wider portfolio of broad-acre crops such as wheat, soy and corn.

Under the terms of the agreement, Novozymes and Syngenta will share the task of bringing Taegro to market. Syngenta will be responsible for sales, marketing and distribution, while Novozymes will be responsible for production and registration. Trials are planned to secure data to continue to build on the current U.S. registration, following which the two companies aim for a global rollout.

In April, Syngenta and Novozymes announced a global agreement to commercialize the Novozymes technology JumpStart, a seed-applied biological that increases phosphate solubility in the soil.

John Atkin, Syngenta, chief operating officer, said: “We are delighted to enter into another agreement to commercialize a Novozymes technology. Having worldwide commercial rights for Taegro will further strengthen our ability to offer high-performing integrated crop solutions.”

Thomas Videbæk, Novozymes, executive vice president, commented: “This collaboration matches Syngenta’s global market strength and leading position within fungicides and integrated solutions with Novozymes’ deep know-how on sustainable, bio-based technologies.”

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