FMC, MBI signed biopesticide development and distribution agreement

FMC Corporation announced its Agricultural Products Group has signed an exclusive development and distribution agreement for Marrone Bio Innovations (MBI) Regalia® Maxx biofungicide in Latin America.  Regalia Maxx is a biological product that protects plants by triggering their natural defense systems to combat several bacterial and fungal diseases.

"We believe Regalia Maxx is an outstanding biological product and are very excited about developing it for several of our growth markets in Latin America,” said Antonio Zem, Latin America area director, FMC Agricultural Products Group. “Regalia Maxx has an important fit in integrated pest management (IPM) programs and potential applications for other crops that we look forward to developing with MBI.”
 
Regalia Maxx has already received registration in Mexico where FMC tested the product with excellent results against powdery mildew and Botrytis gray mold/bunch rot in specialty crops.  Sales are expected to begin in December of this year.  FMC has also tested the product in Brazilian vegetable crops and plans to expand development to other South American territories.  Under the agreement, FMC will also develop improved formulations and premix products in collaboration with MBI. 
 
"Since Regalia was first approved in the U.S. in 2009, it has been rapidly adopted by growers seeking effective and safe options for protecting their crops,” said MBI CEO Pam Marrone. “We are excited to work with market leader FMC to bring Regalia’s clear advantages to growers in Latin America.”
 
Regalia Maxx is an extract from the giant knotweed that acts on the plant’s immune system to control diseases, increase yields, stimulate roots and increase seed germination. The product has a favorable toxicological profile and can be used for foliar or soil treatments.