Ascribe Bio and Corteva target seed-treatment biologicals with Phytalix collaboration

Ascribe Bio and Corteva Agriscience are collaborating to adapt the biofungicide Phytalix for seed-treatment applications, expanding biological crop protection into one of agriculture’s most technically demanding and commercially attractive segments.

Phytalix, developed by Ascribe Bio, is an ascaroside-based biofungicide that protects crops from early-season fungal diseases. Initially created for foliar and in-field use, it will now be reformulated and evaluated for seed-treatment applications in collaboration with Corteva Agriscience. Seed-applied products must remain effective in the soil, protecting seedlings from planting through early crop establishment.

Ascarosides are small signaling molecules from nematode metabolism that activate broad-spectrum plant immune responses. Ascribe Bio positions these compounds as a distinct category of biological crop protection, separate from conventional microbial or plant-extract-based products.

The agreement reflects a broader shift in the biologicals sector toward seed-treatment delivery systems, which provide uniform application at planting and easier integration into commercial programs. This segment is considered a high-value opportunity for biological crop protection companies, though formulation challenges remain because biological agents are sensitive to temperature, soil chemistry, and storage conditions.

Corteva is expanding its biologicals portfolio through partnerships and acquisitions as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in sustainable agricultural inputs.

Source: AgTech Navigator