AgraQuest’s SONATA fungicide got approval in Brazil

AgraQuest, Inc. announced that its SONATA fungicide has been approved for use on apples, onions and strawberries in Brazil. SONATA will be launched for the 2011 crop season in Brazil and sold through its distribution partner Iharabras. AgraQuest and Iharabras will collaborate to add more crops to the label over the next several seasons.

SONATA fungicide is an effective treatment for control of common fungal diseases such as alternaria and botrytis. The active ingredient in SONATA, the patented strain Bacillus pumilus QST 2808, has been used in other global agriculture markets since 2004.

"We are excited by the potential of SONATA and the efficacy that it has shown against target diseases in Brazil," said Julio Borges, President of Iharabras. "SONATA is the first product to be distributed through our newly created Eco-Division and we expect that growers will be pleased with the results they get using this fungicide."

In addition to being labeled for apples, onions and strawberries, SONATA fungicide has also been approved for agricultural research on soybeans. This will allow approved soybean research institutions the ability to readily conduct trials with SONATA.

With the entry into this important agriculture market, AgraQuest has also increased its sales team, announcing the hiring of Manuel Dieguez as Business Manager for southern Latin America. Dieguez will work together with the rest of the AgraQuest's Latin American team, which includes dedicated technical and regulatory personnel, to grow the demand and use for its proprietary biopesticides across the region.

With the addition of Dieguez, AgraQuest has committed to supporting growers and its partners in Brazil, Argentina and other key South American markets. Dieguez, who will be based in Buenos Aries, Argentina, has more than 23 years working in the crop protection industry in technical, marketing and sales management roles.

"AgraQuest is committed to providing Brazilian growers with the most effective and environmentally sustainable disease control products through our partnership with Iharabras," said Cesar Lamonega, VP Sales, Americas and Asia. "Additionally, we are pleased to have someone with Manuel's background and knowledge to help grow the business in Brazil and other key markets in South America."