Nutrien Ag Solutions acquires new biocontrol technology

Nutrien Ag Solutions has acquired Suncor Energy’s AgroScience patented and patent-pending biocontrol technology assets.

New chlorin-based photosensitizer formulations with a new mode of action plus resistance-management advantages are expected to launch by 2025, according to a news release. The acquisition is part of Nutrien Ag Solutions’ strategy to invest in novel biocontrol technology through its Loveland Products business.

The new biocontrol tool has shown potential to deliver efficacy, stability and economic value comparable to traditional synthetic crop protection inputs, according to the release.

“We’re excited to further develop this new technology, which is expected to help accelerate Loveland Product’s efforts in delivering a broader range of solutions that aim to help maximize yields,” Casey McDaniel, vice president of Loveland Products, said in the release. “As the biocontrol market grows, we believe farmers will increasingly demand bio-based solutions that work within existing management practices to achieve bottom-line benefits in yield and efficiency and support efforts to improve sustainability.”

Nutrien Ag Solutions will market the new products as part of the Loveland Products portfolio.

“We believe that biologicals are important next-step tools for elevating the potential in every field,” McDaniel said. “In the coming months and years, we aim to bring more of these types of offerings to market under the Loveland brand or partner brands for farmers of all scales and in all geographies.”