US (CA): AgraQuest to introduce unique biofungicide for bananas

AgraQuest Inc. announced today that the company has selected distribution partners for the product SONATA fungicide, a novel biofungicide used for control of black sigatoka in bananas. DuWest, headquartered in Guatemala, has signed on as the exclusive distribution partner for Central America and the Caribbean. INTEROC, headquartered in Ecuador, has signed on as the exclusive distribution partner for Colombia and Ecuador.
SONATA, based on the beneficial bacteria Bacillus pumilus strain QST 2808, gives banana producers a new tool for contact control of this devastating disease.
"At DuWest, we are focused on new technology and safety for our portfolio. SONATA provides both while offering great disease control in a spray program for our customers," said Herbert Villeda, Marketing Manager for DuWest.
The active ingredient in SONATA works by out-competing fungal diseases for the enzymes they need to build cell walls. SONATA is a replacement for mancozeb in season-long treatment programs.
"SONATA fungicide delivers similar levels of control of black sigatoka, but, as a biofungicide, has a much improved safety profile," said sar Lamonega, AgraQuest's VP of Sales in Asia and the Americas. "This fungicide is certified for organic production, while delivering results for any grower who wants to reduce the chemical pesticides being applied on their plantations without reducing control."
"Our testing of SONATA has validated its fit in Colombia and Ecuador. We see considerable opportunities for expanding SONATA beyond bananas and into other fruits and vegetables. The addition of SONATA to our product offering brings a fungicide that is not only effective but that has a unique safety profile," said Marco Haro, General Manager of INTEROC S.A. Colombia.
SONATA is also available in the U.S., Mexico and South Korea. Registrations are pending in Brazil and the European Union.