Kumiai to introduce two hybrid pesticides in 2011

Kumiai Chemical industry is getting ready to begin as early as in March 2011 its marketing of two “hybrid” agrochemicals that combine a biopesticides and a synthetic chemical, out of three that have already been registered as bactericides in Japan.

The company has established a mass-production method for its hybrid pesticides, the world’s first. Using its proprietary nanoparticle formulation technology, it overcame the hurdle of formulating a sensitive microbial pesticide with a synthetic ingredient by using a special particle coating technique, preventing interactions between the ingredients. The combine active ingredients are kept inactive until their formulation is applied, upon which they separately perform their function.

The hybrid pesticides have attractions for farmers in lowering the official number of application, and offering the high chemical tolerance of biopesticides along with the prompt action of chemical pesticides.

Kumiai is the largest supplier of biopesticides in Japan. It intends to promote its Clean series of hybrid pesticides next to its Ecoshot series, which is effective against gray mold in vegetables and fruits, as core products with low environmental impact. Of the three hybrid pesticides that it has developed, Clean Cup contains Bacillus Subtilis, which is the bioactive microbial component in Echshot, and a copper (II) hydroxide chemical ingredient, while Clean Support contains Bacillus and a polyoxin ingredient. Clean Cup obtained pesticide registration in 2009 and Clean Support, this March.