Inatreq™ Active: a novel natural product derived fungicide that is sustainably produced and has a favorable safety profile

A leading initiative by Corteva .

Inatreq™ active is a groundbreaking, naturally derived fungicide designed to combat two devastating plant diseases: Septoria leaf blotch in cereals and Black Sigatoka in bananas. This innovative solution comes at a critical time when existing fungicides are facing growing resistance issues and environmental concerns. Inatreq active is not only highly effective but also environmentally friendly, offering farmers a more sustainable option for disease control.  

The Genesis of Inatreq™ active  

At the heart of Inatreq active lies a remarkable natural compound called UK-2A, produced through fermentation using a bacterium isolated from soil. This fermentation process is conducted under mild conditions and utilizes renewable feedstocks as raw materials. Corteva scientists made a minor synthetic modification to UK-2A, resulting in the creation of Inatreq. This modification improved the stability thus allowing for lower use rates. When applied, Inatreq active reverts to UK-2A in the presence of fungi or plant tissue, thereby inhibiting fungal respiration.  

Unique Mode of Action  

Inatreq active belongs to a new class of fungicides known as picolinamides, offering a novel mode of action against the target diseases. This distinction is particularly significant as it represents the first new target site of action against Septoria leaf blotch in wheat and Black Sigatoka in bananas in over 15 years. Moreover, Inatreq active doesn’t exhibit cross-resistance to existing fungicides, making it a valuable tool for farmers in managing resistance risk effectively.  

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable  

Inatreq active stands out for its positive environmental profile. It is highly effective even at low use rates, ensuring less active ingredient is applied to fields. This biodegradable fungicide degrades rapidly with minimal persistence in the environment, reducing its overall impact. Furthermore, extensive testing confirms its low toxicity to terrestrial species, making it a good option for use in integrated farming systems.  

Challenges Addressed  

Septoria Leaf Blotch: Septoria leaf blotch, caused by Zymoseptoria tritici, poses a significant threat to wheat crop yield. Current disease control strategies primarily rely on established chemical solutions, but the development of resistance to common fungicide groups has made control more challenging. Inatreq active offers a new solution to effectively combat this relentless pathogen.  

Black Sigatoka: Black Sigatoka, caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis, is a major concern in banana production worldwide. This disease damages foliar tissue, leading to reduced fruit quality and yield. Inatreq active’s introduction provides a vital new target site of action, addressing the issue of increased resistance and the absence of new chemical groups or modes of action.  

Outcomes and Future Prospects  

Inatreq™ active received approval in the European Union in 2018 and is continually gaining new approvals in various key markets, including cereal-growing regions in Europe and banana-producing areas in MesoAndean countries, Africa and the Philippines. The implementation of this innovative fungicide is a promising step towards sustainable and effective disease control in agriculture.  

Inatreq active’s unique mode of action, environmental friendliness, and strong efficacy make it a game-changer in crop protection. By offering farmers a reliable and sustainable solution, Inatreq active contributes to the global challenge of feeding a growing population while minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture.  

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