DuPont, AgraQuest to partner on developing, distributing new biopesticide DPX RNP31 based on AgraQuest's patented microbial active ingredient, Bacillus pumilus QST 2808

Alison Gallant

DAVIS, California , October 21, 2011 (press release) – AgraQuest Inc. and DuPont announced today the signing of an agreement for the development and distribution of a new biopesticide DPX RNP31 based on AgraQuest's patented microbial active ingredient, Bacillus pumilus QST 2808.

"DPX RNP31 is an innovative complementary solution for the design of protection programs for oilseed rape," said Jean-Pierre Princen, DuPont's General Manager for France & Benelux. "This agreement reflects DuPont's commitment to superior crop protection to produce better and more."

DPX RNP31, to be developed exclusively by DuPont, controls Sclerotinia and other diseases of oilseed rape. Tested for multiple years in research trials, DPX RNP31 will be commercialized by DuPont as a key component of their range of broad-acre crop fungicides.

"We are delighted to partner with a world leading innovation company like DuPont to bring our solutions to growers of important crops like oilseed rape," said Ashish Malik, Senior VP of Global Marketing at AgraQuest. "In particular DPX RNP31 helps address objectives to reduce the impact of pesticides on the environment as laid out in the EU's Sustainable Use Directive and France's Ecophyto 2018 action plan."

Bacillus pumilus QST 2808 has been submitted by AgraQuest for inclusion in EU's Annex One. Although this is the first European agreement regarding this active ingredient, products based on Bacillus pumilus QST 2808 are already commercially available in key agriculture-producing countries in the Americas, including USA, Mexico and Brazil.

DuPont (NYSE: DD - News) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.

AgraQuest, Inc. is a global biotechnology company that focuses on discovering, manufacturing and marketing highly effective pest management products to increase agricultural production. As a leader in green agriculture and the emerging low chem sector, AgraQuest is at the forefront of changes in food production by providing growers with solutions that offer best-in-class control while reducing the chemical load on the environment and creating sustainable agriculture opportunities. Through its Agriculture and BioInnovations divisions, AgraQuest focuses on natural products designed for pest control and yield improvements for global agriculture, the garden and in food safety markets. For more information on the role AgraQuest innovations will play in Better Food and a Better World, visit www.agraquest.com.

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