Mar 21, 2024

Certis Biologicals acquire AgBiome fungicides

Certis Biologicals has acquired multiple assets from AgBiome, including powerful fungicides Howler and Theia.

“Certis Biologicals is committed to contributing to the growing biologicals market,” Jow-Lih Su, interim CEO of Certis Biologicals, said in a news release. “Adding these proprietary technologies to our growing portfolio will help ensure continuity in the market and allow us to continue bringing innovative solutions to agriculture.”

Certis Biologicals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., will add the two fungicides to its portfolio of more than 40 products that provide efficacious control of pests, diseases and weeds that threaten greenhouse, specialty and large-acreage crops.

“Howler and Theia complement our existing portfolio of biofungicides, including Double Nickel and our newest product for large-acre crops, Convergence,” Chris Judd, vice president of North America for Certis Biologicals. “These products will constitute a fungicide portfolio that can provide unmatched control for all growers, from specialty and high-value crops to large-acre commodity crops.”

Howler fungicide, Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain AFS0, provides control through multiple modes of action against diseases that threaten grapes, vegetables, tuber and root crops, berries, pome fruits and other specialty crops. As an Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)-listed product that is currently registered in all U.S. states, Howler can be used at all production phases, including greenhouse, pre-plant and harvest, because of its 0-day preharvest interval.

Theia fungicide, Bacillus subtilis strain AFS032321, is an OMRI-listed, broad-spectrum biological that provides control of soilborne and foliar diseases such as alternaria, blight, phytophthora, powdery mildew and pythium, in a wide variety of crops including citrus, cucurbits, grapes, stone fruits and fruiting vegetables.

“AgBiome’s products, Howler and Theia fungicides, are the most effective biological fungicides with unique modes of action and efficacy similar to synthetic chemicals but with substantial environmental benefits,” Scott Rabe, head of product development at AgBiome, said in the release. “We are delighted that a company like Certis Biologicals, with a deep commitment to these products, will steward their future growth and development. Now, more growers than ever will be able to see firsthand the benefits of these products.”

AgBiome announced plans to lay off all employees in October 2023, citing funding difficulties.