Corteva Agriscience, Wilmington, Del., and Andermatt USA, Grossdietwil, Switzerland, announced on July 14 a multi-year agreement for two biocontrol technologies.
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 technology provides 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. myloliquefaciens spp. plantarum), the biofungicide guards plants such as potatoes, fruits, and vegetables against soil borne 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.