Mar del Plata, June 14, 2024 – Corteva Agriscience and Protergium are pleased to announce the official launch of Bexfond FA, the first foliar biological fungicide developed by Protergium exclusively for Corteva. This innovative product was developed to control pathogens in various crops, with its first release targeting potato cultivation.
Since 2019, Corteva and Protergium have been closely collaborating on this development, building on their previous relationship through global research agreements for R&D. This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone with the launch of Bexfond FA, highlighting the strength of cooperation between the two companies.
Corteva’s Global Biocontrol Manager, Francisco Javier García, commented: “Corteva’s model puts the needs of the producer at the center, and this agreement with Protergium reflects the focus on developing cutting-edge, differentiated biological solutions that help producers overcome the challenges they face in today’s agriculture. With the launch of Bexfond FA, we offer a new technological solution to all producers. This biofungicide protects productive potential, increases profitability, and adds sustainable value to production.”
Adrián Rovetto, President of Protergium, emphasized the importance of this agreement: “This launch not only strengthens our position in the market but also demonstrates Protergium’s commitment and capacity for innovation. We are proud to collaborate with Corteva, one of the most important companies globally, and we are excited about the benefits that Bexfond FA will bring to farmers.”
The biological fungicide Bexfond FA has as its active ingredient a biocontrol bacterium, Bacillus velezensis strain T2, selected from over 500 microorganisms in Protergium’s collection. This product has been validated in laboratory and field trials for over four years, demonstrating high efficacy in controlling numerous pathogens. Its application will be extended to other crops such as peanuts, grapes, soybeans, wheat, barley, and tomatoes, among others, with an initial focus on intensive crops.
The launch of Bexfond FA took place on June 5 in Mar del Plata and was exclusively focused on potato cultivation. It was attended by over 150 participants, including producers, technicians, companies dedicated specifically to potato cultivation, and authorities. Mariano Di Miro, biocontrol development manager, highlighted the technical benefits of Bexfond FA for disease control such as Phytophthora and Alternaria for this crop.