Dow On Track to Release Sap-Feeding Insecticide in 2012

By Jim.Robinson|November 9, 2010

Dow AgroSciences, continues to implement its growth strategy through innovative solutions as the company has submitted the global joint-review dossier for sulfoxaflor insecticide. This submission, featuring the largest regulatory dossier in company history, keeps the molecule on track for anticipated launch in 2012. The dossier was submitted to regulatory authorities in Australia, Canada and the United States. Concurrently, the company announces the global brand names for the molecule: CLOSER and TRANSFORM.

Upon regulatory approval, CLOSER and TRANSFORM will be key products in the company’s insecticide portfolio and will address a $2 billion market segment where the company currently does not participate. This is also a market segment where biotechnology solutions are not imminent. Customers are in need of products with new modes of action to aid in their Integrated Pest Management programs, which CLOSER and TRANSFORM will provide. The molecule has a favorable regulatory profile and will be an attractive alternative to insecticides currently on the market.

“When approved, this new molecule will provide growers with an outstanding solution to control insects as these products represent a new class of chemistry,” says Don Kelley, global product manager, insecticides, Dow AgroSciences. “Current research data on sulfoxaflor continue to demonstrate lack of cross-resistance with other insecticides.”

Studies show sulfoxaflor is broad spectrum, fast acting, and effective at low use rates. Testing to date has demonstrated that this product provides outstanding Lygus control in cotton, which is significant as this sap-feeding pest is a significant limiting factor in cotton yield. Rice is another potential market segment, and research is showing excellent activity on the brown planthopper which is a significant yield-limiting pest in Asia.