FMC Launches Biological Fungicide With New Mode Of Action

FMC Launches Biological Fungicide With New Mode Of ActionFMC Corporation is launching Fracture fungicide, a new broad spectrum, biological fungicide labeled for the prevention and control of powdery mildew, botrytis, and brown rot blossom blight. Fracture is a patented fungicide labeled for use in the U.S. on almonds, grapes, strawberries and tomatoes, and is the first biological fungicide to be launched by FMC since announcing Biosolutions as a strategic initiative in late 2013.

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Fracture includes a new mode of action for disease management, providing decisive, multisite control. It works on contact by deforming and inhibiting fungal cell production, tearing apart the cell wall, and disrupting the fungal cell membrane. Within eight hours, the fungal cell is dead, according to the company.

The active ingredient, Banda de Lupinus albus doce (BLAD), is so new that it is not yet classified by the current FRAC group codes. BLAD is a naturally occurring seed storage protein from the sweet lupine plant.

“Fracture is an excellent resistance management tool,” said David Davies, FMC Agricultural Solutions North America segment manager. “By offering an entirely new mode of action that compliments synthetic fungicides, Fracture expands growers’ options and will help extend the lifespan of other chemistries.” Fracture should be used as part of a complete spray program for disease control and resistance management.

“This is our first biological fungicide offering, and we expect many more solutions will come from our significant investment in biological discovery and development,” said Marc Hullebroeck, vice president and business director, FMC Agricultural Solutions. “With our purchase of the Center for Agricultural and Environmental Biosolutions and our global Alliance with Chr. Hansen, FMC has created an end-to-end biological platform that complements our traditional strengths in synthetic crop protection chemistries. We look forward to bringing a market-leading portfolio of biological solutions.”

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With a one-day pre-harvest interval and a four-hour re-entry interval, Fracture can be applied up to five times per season, providing growers with a flexible management tool that offers quick, reliable disease control and meets or exceeds established standards.

When asked about the reason for FMC’s investment in the biological market, Hullebroeck explained, “FMC is broadening its portfolio of crop protection products to deliver more value to growers around the world. Biologicals have a significant role to play in resistance management, environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture.”

All state registrations for Fracture have been received, with the exception of California and Florida, which are expected soon.

Source: FMC press release

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