R&D Pipeline Update – Bayer aims to maintain leadership in fungicides in Brazil

AgroPages was invited and was present at the Bayer Crop Science R&D Pipeline Update world event, where the German multinational presented the progress of its major innovations and research and development (R&D) projects.

In Brazil, Bayer said it “expects to maintain its leadership in the soybean fungicide market, through the new generation FOX family.” Under this framework, it announced the pre-launch of FOX Supra, scheduled for the end of 2022.

According to the agrochemical multinational, the formulation of FOX Supra will include the new active ingredient, Indiflin, to control Asian Soybean Rust, one of the major pests faced by Brazilian soybean farmers.

Currently, FOX contains, in its formulation, the active ingredients, Trifloxystrobin, at a concentration of 150 grams/liter, and Prothioconazole, at a concentration of 175 grams/liter. The mode of action is both mesostemic and systemic.

Indiflin, the trademark name of inpyrfluxam, is a novel fungicide active ingredient recently discovered and registered in 2020. The molecule belongs to a class of fungicides known as succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHI), which inhibit the energy production process of pathogenic fungi. Indiflin is expected to offer superb fungicidal action, good leaf penetration, and systemic activity.

“Once again, Bayer's pipeline extends the company's track record of converting R&D into value-added solutions for producers, whether leading innovation in the core business, tackling climate change with carbon-smart practices, or transforming agriculture through digital agricultural products. Bayer continues to provide solutions and remains committed to making global food systems more resilient, to meet the need to feed a growing population,” said Bob Reiter (R&D Director of Bayer’s Crop Science Division).

Rodrigo Santos (Member of the Board of Directors and Global President of Bayer’s Agricultural Division) said, “The execution plan reflects the dedication of our scientists from around the world and the value offered by our selection of cutting-edge technologies to making solutions reality, including sustainable and integrated solutions for farmers. Backed by our investment in research and development unmatched in the industry, Bayer has a clear, transformative and deep commitment to maximizing the value we can deliver to our customers.”

INTACT 2 XTEND

The event also revealed the launch of state-of-the-art Intacta 2 Xtend technology, which has shown a performance advantage of around 2.9 bags per acre compared to similar varieties on the market. With the third generation project in its third phase, the company announced that the fourth generation is moving into phase one, cementing the franchise's position as the foundation of how Bayer is leading the industry in protecting soybean yields from insects and weeds.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)