Certis to launch Valbon in Italy

Mitsui & Co's agrochemical distribution subsidiary, Certis Europe, is to launch Kumiai Chemical's fungicide, Valbon (benthiavalicarb-isopropyl 1.75% + mancozeb 70%) in Italy this spring for use on grapevines and tomatoes. The registration was granted to Italian agrochemical company, Sipcam (Milan). The EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health extended provisional approval for benthiavalicarb late last year. Valbon can be used against several pathogens on tomatoes and against Botrytis cinerea on grapevines. Certis has developed the fungicide for use on potatoes and grapevines across the EU. It launched the product in the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK in 2005 for use on potatoes against blight. The fungicide is sold for use on grapevines in Switzerland, Austria, Cuba and Israel.