AgraQuest Inc. is pleased to announce approval of the company's second product, Sonata® Biofungicide, by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for use on a total of 4000 acres on many crops, including grapes, melons, apples, and forestry.

Sonata is based on a naturally occurring patented strain of Bacillus pumilus discovered and developed by AgraQuest's scientists. The benign bacterium produces natural products that destroy germinating spores of fungal plant diseases. Sonata complements the spectrum of disease control by Serenade® Biofungicide, AgraQuest's first product on the market. "Sonata has shown excellent control of downy and powdery mildews," said AgraQuest's Director of Product Development, Don Edgecomb. It has a good fit in resistance management programs, where growers are looking for performance and value," he added.

An Experimental Use Permit (EUP) allows use or sale of a product on a specified number of acres and crops. AgraQuest hopes to receive full approval of Sonata sometime next year.

Sonata is one of several products in AgraQuest's extensive pipeline. Also pending at the EPA are Rhapsody(TM) Biofungicide for ornamentals and nursery plants and Virtuoso(TM) Bioinsecticide. The company is also developing Muscodor(TM) Biofumigant for fumigation of soil, fruit, nuts, vegetables, seeds, grain, and bulbs.