Corteva Agriscience and Andermatt Combine Forces for New Biocontrol Solutions
July 15, 2021 Corteva Agriscience and Andermatt USA have announced a multi-year agreement for two technologies that will benefit U.S. farmers. Andermatt USA is the U.S. subsidiary of Andermatt Biocontrol AG, global pioneers in producing microbiological products for biological pest control.
As part of the agreement, Corteva receives an exclusive license to a bioinsecticide based on the naturally occurring insecticidal virus, Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus. The active ingredient targets larvae of African cotton bollworm, corn earworm, and other Helicoverpa species. The unique technology allows efficient and sustainable control of these pests, which damage crops including soybeans, cotton, sorghum, and corn.
Corteva also receives an exclusive license to a biofungicide that helps provide a disease-inhibiting protective shield around plants. Based on the active ingredient Bacillus velezensis (synonym B. amyloliquefaciens spp. plantarum), the biofungicide guards plants such as potatoes, fruits, and vegetables against soilborne pathogens including Rhizoctonia.
Corteva will offer these technologies through its own brands in the U.S. market under the names Hearken™ bioinsecticide and Bexfond™ biofungicide, respectively.
“This is another demonstration of Corteva Agriscience’s continuous commitment to providing farmers a broad range of biological solutions,” says Susanne Wasson, President, Crop Protection Business Platform, Corteva Agriscience. “We’re pleased to work with Andermatt because they bring expertise and quality for our portfolio, as an established and recognized company in biologicals space for more than 30 years.”
Russell Blair, CEO of Andermatt USA, echoed Wasson’s sentiments regarding the deal. “Combining Corteva’s knowledge and portfolio with our highest-quality biologicals will result in more robust and sustainable food systems for farmers,” he says. “By reducing development of resistance, biologicals are natural complements to existing crop protection systems. We look forward to working with Corteva to accelerate the adoption of biologicals in U.S. agriculture.”
Terms of the agreement between Corteva and Andermatt were not disclosed as of this posting.