Sep 20, 2023

Vismax biofungicide okayed for multi-crop use

Elemental Enzymes, a crop nutrient developer, has received Environmental Protection Agency approval registration of one of its biofungicides.

Vismax, a patented proprietary biofungicide formulated for protection in a broad range of crops, is the first of Elemental Enzymes’ peptide-based products to be EPA-registered. Developed in 2017, Vismax ks a naturally-occurring peptide used to control a range of pathogens that cause yield losses in a host of horticultural crops and field crops. Vismax can be applied through complementary treatments as a foliar spray and is compatible with most tank mixtures for target crops, with no known phytotoxicity, according to a news release.

Three years ago, Loveland, Colorado-based Nutrien Ltd. entered into a license agreement with Elemental Enzymes to promote Vismax technology as its biochemical pesticide product line, Aura. Aura is effective against a number of fungal and bacterial diseases, notably citrus greening. Elemental Enzymes and Nutrien will also launch the novel immune-activating peptide on other specialty crops across the U.S.

“We are excited to provide this novel technology to our partners, and for growers to see results against difficult-to-control bacterial and fungal diseases,” Brian Thompson, Elemental Enzymes’ CEO and co-founder, said in the release. “Vismax is the first of Elemental Enzymes’ peptide-based products to be EPA-registered, and we couldn’t be more pleased to see this line of products hit the market. We are excited to provide this novel technology to our partners, and for growers to see results against difficult-to-control bacterial and fungal diseases.”

Elemental Enzymes submitted its application for registration approval to the EPA in November 2020. In addition to its use in the U.S., the company is planning partnerships to make Vismax’s biofungicide technology available through products sold to farmers globally. Vismax provides growers a safe, sustainable option for their fungicide application needs, according to the release.

Elemental Enzymes also develops and markets other naturally occurring enzymes and biochemistries used to support plant nutrient absorption and improve fertilizer efficacy.

Based in St. Louis, Elemental Enzymes develops and markets sustainable solutions to aid in crop nutrient absorption and immune response. The company harnesses naturally occurring enzymes, peptides and biochemistries to develop sustainable products that solve grower issues in soil and plant health.