Bayer CropScience rice fungicide isotianil approved in Japan

Bayer CropScience has been granted regulatory approval for its active ingredient isotianil in Japan. The new rice fungicide – marketed by Bayer CropScience under the brand name Routine® – was successfully launched in Korea in 2010. The market launch in Japan is scheduled for 2011, with further major rice-growing countries in Asia to follow as a measure to strengthen the companys portfolio in this region.

Isotianil was jointly developed with the Japanese company Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. specifically for use in rice-growing in Japan to combat the plant disease rice blast. It originates from the chemical class of isothiazoles and stimulates the natural defense mechanisms of rice plants, thus boosting their resistance.

This is the first time that it has been possible to find a substance that combines low application rates with what is termed a resistance-inducing effect. This environmentally friendly solution is therefore extremely suitable for use in rice-growing. Very few crop protection products are currently approved for rice blast control.

Rice blast is caused by the fungal pathogen Pyricularia oryzae and is the world’s most economically important rice disease. It occurs throughout the entire growing period of the rice plant and is prevalent in almost all growing regions. Rice blast occurs particularly frequently in climate zones where there are low temperatures, little sun and high humidity. It damages the seedlings and infests all parts of the rice plant, considerably compromising yields and the crop’s quality. In view of the growing importance of rice as a staple food, rice blast represents a threat to the global food supply.