Syngenta launches Nexy®, the first biocontrol solution for banana storage diseases
Nexy is composed of the yeast Candida oleophila strain O. (8.1%) and effectively combats crown rot on bananas. Two thirds of the storage diseases affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique bananas exported to Europe are linked to this pathogen. For the banana industry, the economic impact of these diseases can be considerable.
"We offer growers a 'natural' biocontrol technical solution that achieves the same level of performance on green fruit as conventional fungicides, as long as the usual prophylactic measures are followed. What's more, with NEXY consumers will find a solution with no residue risk on fruit," explains Jean-Charles Desforges, National Development Manager, Tropical Crops, Syngenta France.
The result of Agrauxine/Lesaffre Plant Care research, this registration is the outcome of six years of experimentation in Guadeloupe and Martinique, including 4 trials carried out by CTCS Guadeloupe (an approved Good Experimentation Practice organization). It will be developed and marketed by Syngenta from May 2017 in Martinique and Guadeloupe.
The yeast Candida oleophila strain O. was first discovered and isolated on apples. By colonizing wounded areas, it competes with pathogens for nutrients and space.