Next Generation Product Will be “Gateway to Row Crops” For Biologicals
Two input companies are leveraging their individual strengths to bring a new biofungicide product with efficacy, consistency, control and yield.
Certis Biologicals and Novozymes have already launched field trials with the biofungicide which combines the latter’s LCO Promoter technology to increase plant health and crop performance with Certis’ biofungicide active ingredient providing control over Rhizoctonia, Fusarium and Pythium.
As Rob Gibson, Certis Biologicals Global Portfolio Manager, says this partnership brings together the individual strengths, and the companies hope to have product approved in the market by September 2024.
“We think this will be a staple product and our biggest push yet into row crops,” Gibson says. “With this new product we are addressing above ground disease, which has been the biggest struggle to get a foliar biofungicide to take off in row crops.”
He adds the product will be able to be applied as a foliar treatment to protect against spot, rust and blight or as an in-furrow application, which provides the flexibility needed and asked for by growers. It is being developed for use in corn and soybeans.
“As the pressure on synthetic crop protection products continues to grow, people will be forced to pick up and use biologicals in a new way,” Gibson says. “This partnership illustrates two companies perfectly positioned to help the industry do that. We aren’t looking to provide something that is just great—we are looking to provide something that is the best.”
Gibson says Certis has had its sights set on the row crop business, and the company has invested in three field specialists across the Midwest to help the company grow its footprint.
“This new product will be a nice gateway to row crops for our business,” he says.
