Novozymes and FMC Link on Biological Pest Control
Danish biotech Novozymes has announced a collaboration with US agricultural sciences group FMC to research, develop and commercialize biological enzyme-based crop protection solutions. The move is part of Novozymes’ entry into the biocontrol segment, using its new enzyme-based technology.
Novozymes’ president and CEO Ester Baiget Arnau said although the “promising” technology is at an early stage, it has a lot of potential to provide highly efficacious yet sustainable pest control solutions for farmers globally.
Under a multi-year deal, the companies will combine Novozymes’ technology with FMC’s insecticides, focusing on FMC’s diamide insecticide technology and targeting the control of Asian Soybean Rust, a major soy fungal disease that is particularly problematic in South America.
Combining their respective R&D capabilities, FMC will act as commercial partner with Novozymes as manufacturing partner, with the two working closely together to seek the necessary approvals to commercialize the technology in relevant global markets.
“We see FMC as a great partner with strong scientific and commercial capabilities – and, importantly, a clear commitment to biological solutions,” says Baiget Arnau. "Our partnership with FMC is part of our increased efforts to meet the need for sustainable pest control solutions for growers around the world. Together, we will develop innovative biological solutions for key market segments where FMC is an ideal commercial partner."
Going forward, the efforts with FMC, alongside existing microorganism technology, will form part of a broader biocontrol technology platform at Novozymes.
According to the Danish company, biological pest control products are in high demand as the agricultural industry looks to replace or reduce chemical pesticides with more sustainable alternatives.
Novozymes explained that there are two main segments for biologicals, biocontrol where biological products are used to supplement and replace chemical pesticides to control insects and microbial diseases and bioyield where biologicals are used to enhance plant nutrition and/or to stimulate plant growth.
The fastest growing of the two segments is biocontrol, where demand is forecast to double in about five years’ time.
Author: Ellaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist
