Peru OKs MBI's Regalia MAXX biofungicide

The US biopesticide company Marrone Bio Innovations (MBI) recently announced FMC, the exclusive Latin America distributor for its REGALIA® MAXX Biofungicide, has received a product registration in Peru. Peru now joins El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and Mexico as Latin America countries having approved the use of REGALIA MAXX to control a wide variety of bacterial and fungal diseases across an array of agricultural crops.

"Peru has been increasing its market share of exported table grapes. But to continue this growth grape producers must meet the guidelines for acceptable pesticide residue levels imposed by importing countries. There is a real market need for REGALIA MAXX which is exempt from maximum residue level restrictions and can help growers manage these requirements," said Luiz Cláudio Micelli, Latin America South Business Director for FMC.

REGALIA MAXX is an advanced biofungicide that can minimize chemical residues by being used alone in a disease-control program, or in rotation with synthetic fungicides or in a tank mix. The product activates a plant's natural defenses to protect against a variety of fungal and bacterial diseases and features multiple modes of action which helps to delay the development of disease resistance. It also provides a four-hour re-entry interval that increases operational flexibility and a zero-day post-harvest interval so crop quality can be protected right up to harvest.

Micelli added, "Armed with REGALIA MAXX, Peruvian grape growers now have a tool to control powdery mildew while reducing synthetic pesticide residues. This is an ideal crop protection solution to help them maintain their high quality standards and advance their export potential, particularly to the U.S. and Europe."

Hector Absi, MBI Chief Operating Officer, commented, "We are excited about our continued registration progress in Latin America and we anticipate strong adoption of REGALIA MAXX in Peru as the product fills a real need for growers of fruit and vegetables earmarked for export."