Syngenta Lawn & Garden (L&G) announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Pasteuria Bioscience Inc., a U.S. based biotechnology company. Under the terms of the agreement, Syngenta’s Turf & Landscape division will have exclusive licensing and distribution rights in global turf markets to Pasteuria Biosciences existing and future nematicide product lines based on the naturally occurring biological agent Pasteuria.
As a result of the agreement, Syngenta will obtain Econem® for the L&G Turf portfolio, Pasteuria Bioscience’s first commercialized product containing Pasteuria microbes. Launched in 2010, Econem has been proven to control sting nematodes, one of the most widespread and destructive types. A liquid version has recently gained EPA registration, and a combination offer, to control in addition lance nematodes, is in late stage development. Sting and lance nematodes are two examples of prevalent nematode pests in the U.S. market affecting golf courses and sports fields.
“Our customers have told us that they are extremely interested in how these new and environmentally favorable options can be effectively used to control pests,” says Mike Parkin, global head, Turf & Landscape, Lawn & Garden. “It is really exciting to be able to add this innovative product to our already robust integrated offer.”
“This agreement further strengthens our relationship with Syngenta and serves as further validation of the technology,” said David Duncan, Ph.D., chief executive officer for Pasteuria Bioscience. “We are very excited about Syngenta’s plan to resource and fully realize the potential of these Pasteuria-based products in the golf course and other turf grass markets.”
In June 2011, Syngenta entered into an exclusive global technology agreement with Pasteuria Bioscience with the aim of developing innovative bio-nematicides to control nematodes across a broad variety of crops.
Financial details have not been disclosed.
Syngenta is one of the world’s leading companies with more than 26,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com.
Media contacts:
Tom Mentzer
Gardner & Gardner Communications
913-626-9066 or tommentzer@gardnerandgardnercommunications.com
Margaret Bell
Syngenta
336-632-2115 or Margaret.bell@syngenta.com
Note to editors:
Learn more about Pasteuria Bioscience Inc. here.
Read a Syngenta feature story on this agreement here.
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