Bayer CropScience, Monheim, Germany and Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Japan have signed a co-development agreement for a new compound to combat rice blast. The fungicide BYF1047 was identified by Bayer CropScience. It is effective against the Pyricularia fungus which causes rice blast, the world’s most economically significant disease in rice.

Bayer CropScience and Sumitomo Chemical are now jointly developing BYF1047 intended for use primarily in Japan. Following the joint development, both companies will hold global rights to market products containing the new active ingredient.

The product is scheduled to be launched in Japan in 2010/2011, subject to regulatory approval.

"BYF1047 is highly effective against Rice Blast at low dose rate. The compound is specifically qualified for the rice growing conditions in Japan," says Dr. Bernward Garthoff, member of the board of management responsible for research and development at Bayer CropScience.

"Development of BYF1047 is a very important project for Sumitomo Chemical, whose already strong product offering for rice in Japan will be further enriched by this product," says Mr. Yoshihiko Okamoto, executive officer responsible for the domestic crop protection division at Sumitomo Chemical.

Rice blast is a significant threat to the global food supply. The Pyricularia fungus infests the seeds and leaves of the rice plant, forming spindle-shaped lesions which cause the leaves to dry out, become discolored and brown. BYF1047 protects the rice plants against Pyricularia by stimulating their self-defense ability. Measures to combat rice blast are currently concentrated on a few substances, thus increasing the risk of the fungus developing resistance. Bayer CropScience and Sumitomo Chemical aim to develop this new active ingredient to provide rice farmers with a new option to combat rice blast.

Bayer CropScience, a subsidiary of Bayer AG with annual sales of about EUR 6 billion, is one of the world’s leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and plant biotechnology. The company offers an outstanding range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture and for non-agricultural applications. Bayer CropScience has a global workforce of about 19,000 and is represented in more than 120 countries, ensuring proximity to the customers.

Sumitomo Chemical is one of Japan’s leading chemical companies, which offers a variety of products in, among others, the fields of petrochemicals, IT-related Chamicals, and life sciences, to the global market. Crop protection is one of the company’s core businesses which generates annual sales of USD 1.2 billion, and markets products in more than 110 countries around the world. Sumitomo Chemical takes a comprehensive approach to the enhancement of agricultural production by providing crop protection chemicals, fertilizers, feed additives, and other products and technologies. Particularly in the Japanese market, Sumitomo Chemical is the leading company serving a wide range of markets including rice, vegetables, fruits, and home and garden, and is committed to the development and marketing of new products that meet users’ needs.