MBI, Valagro collaborate on agricultural products

The U.S. biopesticide company Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (MBI) , and Valagro S.p.A, a leader in the production and marketing of plant biostimulants and high efficiency nutritionals recently announced they have signed an agreement to collaborate in the discovery and development of agricultural products.

Under the agreement the companies will provide each other access to certain intellectual property, active ingredients, and formulations and evaluate the performance of combinations of technologies for commercial use.

According to Dr. Alison Stewart, MBI Senior VP of R&D and Chief Technology Officer, "The research and development capabilities of the two companies are very complementary. Initially, we will focus on three areas of collaboration: Valagro will evaluate combinations of its biostimulants with MBI biologicals for synergistic effects; MBI will utilize its in-house screening program to assess Valagro bioactives for pesticidal activity; and both companies will co-develop MBI late-stage plant health bioactives leveraging Valagro technologies."

Dr. Prem Warrior, Valagro Chief Operating Officer, also sees great promise in the collaboration. "The synergy between Valagro and MBI is very high. Both companies are strongly committed to advancing the potential of bio-based compounds to improve plant health and yield potential in a wide variety of crops. MBI and Valagro are leaders in bioactive research and development so we fully expect working together will produce valuable outcomes and potential new product candidates."