Israeli Plant-Based Fungicide Gets Okay To Sell in Peru

An Israeli company that develops formulations to protect crops from weeds, insects and disease can now market its fungi-preventing product for use in Peru. 

ADAMA Agricultural Solutions uses plant extracts to create its fungicide, which can protect grapes, berries, and certain vegetables, while also improving their quality.

The Tel Aviv-based company says that its ACTAVAN fungicide can also increase the sugar content, peel firmness, size, and weight of the berries it is used on.

The bio-fungicide was developed in collaboration with New Zealand company Waikaitu, which develops organic bio-stimulants, fertilizers, and crop protection products made from byproducts of the food industry. 

Peru’s annual agricultural exports reached an estimated $9.2 billion in 2021, with blueberries, grapes and mangoes constituting a sizeable share of that sum.

“Farmers around the world are searching for an effective bio-fungicide that allows them to incorporate sustainable agricultural practices, and still produce high quality fruits and berries,” said Walter Costa, VP Marketing and Product Strategy at ADAMA.

“A great collaboration with Waikaitu led to a novel and powerful bio-fungicide that meets both the complex requirements of the value chain, and the high-quality performance standards that fruits and vegetables producers have been waiting for.”

Alex Pressman, CEO and founder of Waikaitu, said: “Sustainable farming is the future for feeding the world’s population in a way that is better for the planet and better for business. 

“ACTAVAN leads the way by protecting plants from harmful fungal diseases and improving fruit quality, while still meeting organic and sustainable farming requirements.”

ADAMA has more than 50 biological solutions in its portfolio, such as a pesticide based on garlic extract, as well as a microbiological pesticide used to kill parasitic worms.

It expects to register the ACTAVAN fungicide in other Latin American countries, and in more regions such as Asia-Pacific and Europe, in the near future.