Novel biological fungicide partnership peps up disease control efforts
One of ADAMA’s research sites used to trial the new biofungicide across Australia.
Leading US life sciences company Elemental Enzymes, which specialises in novel biotechnology and enzyme solutions, is partnering with ADAMA Australia to introduce the new biofungicide to the local crop protection market.
The innovative new product, expected to be launched for the 2026 winter cropping season and spring turf market, targets the management of foliar diseases in cereals, canola and turf applications.
Featuring Elemental Enzymes’ patented peptide technology, the new biofungicide will introduce a novel mode of action for disease control. Comprising of naturally occurring amino acid peptides, the technology will prime plants’ immune systems to defend against fungal diseases such as septoria tritici and septoria nodorum in wheat.
The new partnership grants ADAMA Australia an exclusive licence to distribute the locally-tested biofungicide in broadacre crops and turf, while it will also actively explore additional use patterns for the technology via its extensive research and development program.
Steve Scott, CEO at ADAMA Australia, said there was a strong need for a new approach to manage fungal diseases and limit resistance development to conventional fungicides on many Australian farms.
“This innovative peptide technology will support conventional fungicides by activating the plant’s natural immune response to diseases,” Steve said.
“The global biological crop protection market is experiencing rapid growth. In future seasons, growers will have access to this exciting technology, which will complement conventional crop protection chemistry.
“At ADAMA, we are committed to leveraging our extensive local and global R&D footprint to rigorously test new technology, ensuring predictable paddock performance and demonstrating a measurable return on investment for growers by improving crop health and yield.
“We are excited to partner with Elemental Enzymes to develop and introduce its patented technology to the Australian market.”
ADAMA Australia plans to incorporate the technology into its expansive fungicide portfolio, complementing existing and future innovative disease management solutions.
About ADAMA
ADAMA Ltd. is a global leader in crop protection, providing solutions to farmers across the world to combat weeds, insects and diseases. ADAMA has one of the widest and most diverse portfolios of active ingredients in the world, state-of-the-art R&D, manufacturing and formulation facilities, and a culture that empowers our people in markets worldwide to listen to farmers and ideate from the field. This uniquely positions ADAMA to offer a vast array of distinctive mixtures, formulations and high-quality, differentiated products, delivering solutions that meet local farmer and customer needs in over 100 countries globally. For more information, visit us at www.ADAMA.com
About Elemental Enzymes
Elemental Enzymes, a St. Louis-based company, is catalysing the future of agriculture with innovative, cross-disciplinary scientific solutions to complex problems impacting growers today. Elemental Enzymes creates patented enzymes, peptides and biochemical solutions that improve nutrient uptake, water use efficiency, plant health, crop yield, and disease protection. For more information, visit www.elementalenzymes.com.