Valent BioSciences acquires Mycorrhizal Applications

Valent BioSciences Corporation (VBC), the leader in biorational product development for agriculture, public health, and forestry worldwide, recently announced it has acquired Mycorrhizal Applications, Inc. (MA), the world's largest producer of mycorrhizal fungal inoculum. Mycorrhizal inoculation increases plant productivity by forming a symbiotic relationship with plant roots. Mycorrhizal hyphae attach to roots and radiate out into soil, enhancing access to nutrients and water made available to plants.

The acquisition adds another strategic platform to VBC’s rapidly expanding global biorational business, providing additional tools for the Biorational Window platform being developed with its parent, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. (SCC).

“The acquisition of Mycorrhizal Applications will allow us to accelerate the development of our rhizosphere strategy and immediately reinforce our strength in the biorational business," said Ted Melnik, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of VBC. "The move affords us the unique opportunity to leverage our internal resources and develop an entire suite of innovative rhizosphere products and technologies that expands our portfolio to meet the needs of growers around the world."

Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Oregon, MA's earliest products were developed for forestry and nursery applications. Nearly 90% of the world's plants form an association with mycorrhizal fungi, which colonize plant roots and provide the host with enhanced capacity for water and mineral uptake. In exchange, the fungi benefit from access to plant carbohydrates, which they use for food. Today, MA's business has grown to include products for commercial agriculture, manufactured soils, turf, landscape and restoration.

The company's leading brand, MycoApply®, is sold in powder, granular, and liquid form. Melnik said a dedicated R&D budget, earmarked for rhizosphere product development, has been established to coincide with the acquisition. VBC anticipates a host of new uses, with widespread agricultural applications, being developed in the next few years. Globally, MycoApply® will be sold through the SCC affiliate network. Valent U.S.A. Corporation will handle commercialization of the Mycorrhizal Applications pipeline and portfolio in Agricultural crops in the NAFTA region, including marketing, product development and sales through associated distribution networks. With this innovative platform technology, Valent U.S.A. will create crop protection and enhancement solutions that complement its existing portfolio to deliver more value to its customers.

"We're very excited to become part of the VBC and SCC family," said Dr. Mike Amaranthus, the renowned rhizosphere scientist who co-founded the business with wife, Eileen. "While we will provide our customers with the same quality products and expert support they've come to expect from us, VBC's investment will further accelerate our innovation and increase our capacity to meet the growing demand for our products and food and fiber, globally. Our goal is to make mycorrhizal inoculation an essential tool to increase plant productivity while improving the quality of our lives and the environment. VBC provides the fundamental capacity for achieving that goal."