Source – Corteva Agriscience

Corteva Agriscience has introduced an innovative solution called Reklemel™ active to combat plant-parasitic nematodes, which are tiny soil-dwelling organisms that harm plant roots. These nematodes pose a significant challenge to global food security, causing annual damages exceeding $80 billion. Reklemel active, the result of over a decade of research and investment by Corteva, aims to protect various food and row crops from nematode damage while preserving the soil’s beneficial organisms.

Robert King, the Executive Vice President of Crop Protection Business at Corteva Agriscience, emphasizes the importance of innovation in addressing the world’s food production challenges. Reklemel has gained recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a “Reduced Risk” product due to its ability to target nematodes selectively, lower usage rates compared to older nematicides, and its positive environmental and toxicological profile. It is among the first active ingredients registered under the EPA’s updated policy that considers the Endangered Species Act in pesticide registration.

Additionally, Reklemel has received the Sustainability and the Circular Economy Award from the National Association of Manufacturers for its potential to reduce more than 500 million kilograms of CO2 emissions over the next five years by using lower quantities. The Salibro™ nematicide, incorporating Reklemel active, will be available in the United States, India, and Mexico from late 2023, with sales already underway in Canada and Australia. Further global registrations are planned, including in the European Union, pending regulatory approvals.

Reklemel active can be applied before planting, during planting, or throughout the crop cycle and is suitable for various annual and perennial crops. When used in combination with other pest management strategies as part of Integrated Pest Management, Reklemel active can enhance crop yields, reduce quality losses from nematode damage, minimize environmental impact compared to alternative nematicides, and protect essential soil health-promoting organisms.

This introduction aligns with the EPA’s efforts to ensure pesticide registration considers the impact on endangered species and their habitats, promoting regulatory certainty for farmers while safeguarding listed species and their environments. Corteva continues to invest heavily in research and development, with a commitment to addressing global food security and sustainability challenges, having launched numerous crop protection products and advanced active ingredients in its R&D pipeline in recent years.