Syngenta signs bio-fungicide agreement with Novozymes

Syngenta and Novozymes announced an exclusive global marketing and distribution agreement to commercialize Taegro®, a fermented biological fungicide based on a naturally occurring bacterium Bacillus subtilis. It offers growers broad-spectrum disease control at very low application rates in a variety of crops. Its multiple modes of action make it highly complementary to Syngenta’s extensive fungicide portfolio.

In April, Syngenta and Novozymes announced a global agreement to commercialize the Novozymes technology JumpStart®, a seed-applied biological that increases phosphate solubility in the soil.

John Atkin, Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are delighted to enter into another agreement to commercialize a Novozymes technology. Having worldwide commercial rights for Taegro will further strengthen our ability to offer high-performing integrated crop solutions.”

Thomas Videbæk, Executive Vice President Novozymes, commented: “This collaboration matches Syngenta’s global market strength and leading position within fungicides and integrated solutions with Novozymes’ deep know-how on sustainable, bio-based technologies.”

Expanding the existing registrations of Taegro in the U.S., the companies aim to offer the technology to growers around the world for use on a broad range of crops.

Financial details about the agreement were not disclosed.