From Chile’s Forests to Fields, Syngenta Brings Botanical-Based Biofungicide to the Americas
Innovation often begins by observing nature and drawing inspiration from it, a wisdom deeply rooted in the ancient Mapuche culture of Chile. Known and used for centuries, the Mapuche have traditionally utilized the bark’s high saponin content of Quillaja saponaria for cleansing and medicinal purposes, and today this ever-green tree is helping farmers protect their crops.
Syngenta and Botanical Solution Inc. (BSI) have expanded their exclusive agreement to bring Quillibrium®, a botanical‑based biofungicide derived from Quillaja saponaria using BSI’s proprietary plant tissue culture platform, to more growers across the Americas, starting with Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Since 2021, Syngenta and BSI have worked together with growers in Peru and Chile to protect grapes, tomatoes, berries, cherries, and other crops from diseases such as Botrytis, Sour Rot, Powdery Mildew, and Alternaria alternata with remarkable results in terms of higher yields and better quality. The sustainable technology behind Quillibrium® delivers consistent, high‑quality extracts without the need to harvest protected trees, thus preserving biodiversity while ensuring a reliable supply.
Under the expanded agreement, Syngenta will distribute Quillibrium® (currently marketed as BotriStop® in Chile) for crop protection, turf & ornamentals, and post‑harvest applications in Mexico, Canada and the US, enhancing farmers’ access to a biocontrol solution that supports sustainable production.
“After years of development and successful commercialization in Chile and Peru, we’re thrilled to bring Quillibrium® to new key markets expanding Syngenta’s integrated disease control portfolio,” says Syngenta’s Global Head Seedcare and Biologicals, Emilhano Lima. “By fostering collaboration with innovators like BSI, we are enabling farmers in the Americas to build effective pest management programs that combine biologicals and conventional solutions.”
Gaston Salinas, CEO of Botanical Solution Inc., says: “Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategic approach that enables farmers to maximize yield and quality while managing pests effectively. Quillibrium® is a natural way to safeguard fruits and vegetables from multiple pathogens, easing farmers’ adoption of comprehensive crop protection strategies. We’re excited to be Syngenta’s partner of choice to make botanical-based products like Quillibrium® available to more growers across the Americas.”
With the biologicals market projected to exceed 20 billion USD by 2030, Syngenta has made another move to strengthen its leadership in breakthrough innovations where nature‑inspired solutions deliver both profitability and resilience.
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