Features Production Research
Bayer grants Koppert rights to bio fungicide

November 1, 2011 By Press release

November 1, 2011 – Bayer
CropScience has reached an agreement with Koppert Biological Systems to grant
exclusive worldwide rights on the marketing, registration and production of the
new product Shemer, a biological fungicidal product based on the yeast strain
Metschnikowia fructicola.

Shemer is an antagonist
that protects fruit and vegetables against diseases caused by fungal pathogens.
It also supplements and complements pre-harvest and/or post-harvest
applications and is ideal for use as a part of resistance management and IPM
(Integrated Pest Management) programs.

Financial details were not
disclosed.

“By reaching this
agreement, we are convinced that we have chosen the right partner to finalize
the development of Shemer and to exploit the full market potential of this
promising biological fungicide in pre-harvest and post-harvest applications,”
said Frank Terhorst, head of fruits & vegetables and insecticides at Bayer
CropScience.

“The acquisition of this
product fits in well with our strategy of broadening our product portfolio and
developing new markets,” said Henri Oosthoek, Koppert’s director of global
marketing and sales. “Shemer will add value for growers in established markets
such as protected vegetables and ornamentals and will create opportunities to
enter the new markets currently in development, including fruit crops and
grapes. It will strengthen our position within the growing industry of
biocontrol agents. It expands our microbial ambitions for sustainable crop
protection.”