Corteva and Andermatt to Solve Biocontrol Solutions

Corteva Agriscience, and Andermatt USA announced a multi-year agreement on Wednesday, July 14, combining the two technologies with future benefits anticipated for the United States farmers. Andermatt USA is the U.S. based subsidiary owned by Andermatt Biocontrol AG, who has been a global pioneer in developing microbiological products for biological pest control.

As per the agreement signed by both companies, Corteva gains an exclusive licence of a bioinsecticide that is associated with the naturally occurring insecticidal virus that is Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus. The active ingredient of the bioinsecticides targets the larvae of multiple harmful biological entities such as African cotton bollworm, corn earworm, and Helicoverpa species. The innovative technology associated with the bioinsecticides enables the efficient, and sustainable management or control of these variety pests, which have an adverse effect on crops capable of damaging soybean crops, cotton produce, sorghum, and corn.

Besides, Corteva also stands to gain another exclusive licence to a biofungicide capable of providing the crops with a disease-inhibiting protective shield. The Bacillus velezensis based active ingredient of the biofungicide provides a protective covering to crops such as potatoes, fruit crops as well as vegetable crops against the soil borne pathogens such as Rhizoctonia.

Corteva will be seen offering these technologies under its own brand in the United States market by the names Hearken™ bioinsecticide, and Bexfond™ biofungicide. The company’s agreement with Andermatt USA follows the latter’s wide portfolio consisting of novel biological products such as bioinsecticides, biopesticides as well as biostimulants, seed treatments, and bee health products.