FMC enters distribution agreement with Syngenta to commercialize biological seed treatment innovation in Canada

FMC Corporation, a leading agricultural sciences company, announced a commercial agreement with Syngenta Crop Protection to distribute FMC’s new biological seed treatment for corn and soybean in Canada targeting the suppression of key diseases and nematodes.

“FMC is excited to partner with Syngenta, a leading seed treatment company in Canada, to bring Canadian growers an effective biological seed treatment that complements synthetic chemistry by offering an additional mode of action to manage difficult-to-control pathogens,” said Dr. Bénédicte Flambard, global director of FMC Plant Health. “As we continue to invest in and expand our biologicals portfolio, we are committed to aligning with partners that enhance our ability to provide growers around the world with science-backed biological solutions that help sustainably manage crops, protect yields, and combat resistance.”

The FMC biological seed treatment, which Syngenta will commercialize under the brand name Draco™ seed treatment, has a unique mode of action that combines Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis to offer Canadian farmers protection against yield-robbing root pests such as Rhizoctonia and nematodes. The strain combination also provides biostimulant activity which improves water utilization by the roots and enhances plant performance, especially under water-stressed conditions. “Grower trials in both Manitoba and Ontario have shown the biostimulant effect provides a healthier root system from its colonization which leads to a more consistent yield response, even in the absence of any pest pressure,” said Rod McLeod, seed treatment technical manager for FMC Canada.

Since 2013, FMC has built a world-class biologicals business with more than 30 biological products in the crop protection market across more than 45 countries and more than 100 crops. FMC is developing additional innovative biological solutions for growers in Canada and the U.S. Over the next four years, FMC plans to launch four new biopesticides for growers around the world.

Financial terms of the distribution agreement were not disclosed.