Certis Biologicals acquires Howler and Theia fungicides from AgBiome

Date:03-20-2024

Certis Biologicals, a pioneer in the field of biological pesticides, announced the acquisition of multiple assets from AgBiome, including powerful and market-tested fungicides Howler^® and Theia^®.   

″Certis Biologicals is committed to contributing to the growing biologicals market,″ said Dr. Jow-Lih Su, interim CEO, Certis Biologicals. ″Adding these proprietary technologies to our growing portfolio will help ensure continuity in the market and allow us to continue bringing innovative solutions to agriculture.″

Certis Biologicals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., will add the two fungicides to their current portfolio of more than 40 products that provide efficacious control of pests, diseases and weeds that threaten greenhouse, specialty and large-acreage crops. 

″Howler and Theia complement our existing portfolio of biofungicides, including Double Nickel^® and our newest product for large-acre crops, Convergence^®,″ said Chris Judd, vice president, North America, Certis Biologicals. ″These products will constitute a fungicide portfolio that can provide unmatched control for all growers, from specialty and high-value crops to large-acre commodity crops.″  

Howler fungicide, Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain AFS009, provides control through multiple modes of action against diseases that threaten grapes, vegetables, tuber and root crops, berries, pome fruits and other specialty crops. As an OMRI-Listed® product that is currently registered in all U.S. states, Howler can be used at all production phases, including greenhouse, pre-plant and through to harvest because of its 0-day PHI.  

Theia fungicide, Bacillus subtilis strain AFS032321, is an OMRI-Listed, broad-spectrum biological that provides control of soilborne and foliar diseases such as alternaria, blight, phytophthora, powdery mildew and pythium in a wide variety of crops including citrus, cucurbits, grapes, stone fruits and fruiting vegetables.

″AgBiome’s products, Howler and Theia fungicides, are the most effective biological fungicides with unique modes of action and efficacy similar to synthetic chemicals but with substantial environmental benefits,″ said Scott Rabe, Head of Product Development, AgBiome. ″We are delighted that a company like Certis Biologicals, with a deep commitment to these products, will steward their future growth and development. Now, more growers than ever will be able to see firsthand the benefits of these products.″