Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture: A Deep Dive into FMC’s Ethos Elite LFR and Coragen eVo
10 February 2024 Agribusiness Global recently reached out to FMC’s Matthew Pyle, Biological Subject Matter Expert, and Chris Leon, Regional Technical Service Manager, to learn more about how its newest products Ethos Elite LFR and Coragen eVo are strong options in helping to serve growers. The products help in achieving goals of increasing efficiency to sustainably feed the world.
ABG: How does combining insecticides and biofungicides in Ethos Elite LFR aid in revolutionizing the biological marketplace?
Matthew Pyle. Photo courtesy of FMC U.S.
Matthew Pyle (MP): Hybrid products, like Ethos Elite LFR insecticide/biofungicide, are leading the new wave of biologicals integration by combining the reliable efficacy and ease of use growers have come to expect from conventional products with the novel modes of action and additional benefits of an EPA registered and patented biofungicide.
ABG: What conventional products would you highly recommend when the decision has been made to add Ethos Elite LFR to a farmer’s tool belt for the upcoming growing season and future growing seasons?
MP: Ethos Elite LFR insecticide/biofungicide was designed with conventional compatibility in mind. Ethos Elite LFR takes advantage of FMC’s Liquid Fertilizer Ready (LFR) technology for excellent physical compatibility with various liquid starter fertilizers. The bifenthrin in Ethos Elite LFR delivers control of tough insect seedling pests, such as corn rootworm and wireworms, and can be coupled with insect-traited corn varieties.
The biofungicidal strains of bacteria in Ethos Elite LFR can be used in combination with conventional fungicide seed treatments. These strains will provide extended residual protection against yield robbing diseases like Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Pythium.
ABG: What factors did FMC take into consideration when deciding to add Ethos Elite LFR to their biological product line-up?
MP: Ethos Elite LFR insecticide/biofungicide is part of our growth strategy in delivering more unique and diverse At-Plant options for farmers. It features enhancements like an expanded crop label and better handling characteristics. More than just an in-furrow insecticide, Ethos Elite LFR maximizes the potential of each plant with the convenience of a single application during the planting pass.
ABG: How did FMC decide to focus on targeting Lepidopteran pests with the product launch of Coragen eVo in 2024?
Chris Leon. Photo courtesy of FMC U.S.
Chris Leon (CL): Lepidopteran pests are the primary focus of Coragen eVo insect control. This solution offers an optimized formulation with three times the concentration of the industry standard active ingredient for long-lasting control of Lepidopteran pests. It works rapidly to break the feeding cycle and delivers long-lasting residual that keeps pests away.
ABG: What mode of action or structure does Coragen eVo utilize to prevent these pests from eating vegetable crops?
CL: Coragen eVo insect control uses the Rynaxypyr active ingredient, which is a unique Group 28 mode of action. The active arrests feeding rapidly to preserve leaf area and fruiting bodies to ensure optimum production and ROI for the grower, while having a low impact on key beneficial insects.
ABG: Sustainability and operational efficiency played a major role in the launch of Coragen eVo. How will FMC utilize sustainability and operational efficiency to enhance future product offerings within the competitive and changing landscape of agriculture?
CL: Sustainability is a core value at FMC. Optimizing inert ingredients to produce higher active ingredient loads in crop protection solutions provides lower use rates per acre along with less product handling and fewer containers to rinse and dispose. It is a win-win for the grower and the environment.
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