Bayer CropScience has acquired certain assets and technology related to biological development products of AgroGreen, Ashdod, Israel. AgroGreen, a business unit of the Minrav Group, is one of the leading companies in the bionematicides business.
Through this acquisition Bayer CropScience expands its range of crop protection solutions with biocontrol agents and provides the company with growth opportunities in the seed treatment market. The company also sees good prospects for use of these biocontrol agents by turfgrass professionals. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The acquired assets include products marketed under the brand name BioNem (active ingredient Bacillus firmus), reducing nematode populations and root infestations in the soil, while stimulating increased yields.
BioNem is currently registered in Israel for use in cucumbers, eggplant, pepper, tomato, almond, apricot, olive, peach, plum, pomegranate, major herbs, flowers and garlic. Based on Bacillus Firmus as a mixing partner, Bayer CropScience plans to develop new seed treatment solutions for important agricultural crops such as corn, soybean and cotton as well as soil applied applications for use on fruits and vegetables.