Sumitomo Chemical has acquired the DuPont's Asana Insecticide business in the US. The product in future will be distributed through Valent U.S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Japanese group. Financial terms of the deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, were not disclosed.

Asana, with the active ingredient esfenvalerate, is recommended for control of insect pests in more than 50 major field crops, vegetables, tree fruits and nuts. Its cottonseed oil-based formulation is claimed to provide "superior wash-off resistance" and UV light protection to enhance residual control of insect pests.