Microbiology and Quality Analytical Technologist

Corteva Biologicals Argentina introduces Rezist for fruit and vegetable crops. Aug. 25, 2026 Corteva Biologicals Argentina has introduced Rezist, a new technology for fruit and vegetable crops designed to prepare plants to respond more effectively to disease pressures before infections occur. The Rezist formulation contains 1% salicylic acid, copper, zinc and manganese, combining a plant-defense elicitor with micronutrients that support physiological and antioxidant processes associated with the defense of crops. Rezist is positioned as an elicitor or resistance-inducing technology, rather than a conventional fungicide. Its approach is based upon activating the plant's own defense mechanisms and reducing susceptibility to disease, allowing it to be incorporated into existing crop protection programs. "With Rezist, we propose a change in the way crop health is approached. Instead of waiting for the disease to appear before acting, we prepare the plant beforehand so it can respond better when the challenge arrives," said Ana Scarso, Fruit & Veggies Argentina Product Manager at Corteva Biologicals. Activating the plant's natural defenses The technology is based on the role of salicylic acid as a signaling molecule in plant defense. According to Corteva researchers, salicylic acid can act as an elicitor, activating mechanisms associated with Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) when plants detect pathogen pressure. This response involves the activation of defense-related genes and increased production of pathogenesis-related proteins, phytoalexins, antioxidant enzymes and other compounds involved in strengthening the plant's natural barriers. Rezist seeks to reproduce this signaling process through the application of its formulation, creating a state of physiological preparedness before disease pressure becomes established. Copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) complement the formulation by acting as micronutrients and cofactors associated with antioxidant and defense responses. "What Rezist does is simple but powerful: it gives the plant an early warning signal so that it is better prepared when it needs it most," Scarso said. Under the international classification of the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC), resistance-inducing products of this type fall within Group P - Host Plant Defense Induction. Not a conventional biological input Although Rezist is part of Corteva Biologicals' portfolio and is inspired by plant physiology, the technology should not be classified as a biological input on the basis of the information provided. Rather, Rezist's active strategy relies on salicylic acid and mineral micronutrients, instead of living microorganisms or biological agents. The source material specifically notes that the technology is therefore not a bioinput, while emphasizing its potential role in biological defense activation. This distinction is particularly relevant in fruit production, where growers are increasingly looking for strategies that can complement or reduce reliance on conventional fungicides while maintaining disease-management efficacy. In vineyards, this approach may be particularly relevant because a significant portion of production is destined for export markets, where maximum residue limits and restrictions on chemical residues can influence commercial access. Rezist is intended to complement, rather than replace, established crop-protection programs. "Rezist prepares the plant to run stronger: it activates its natural defenses and reduces susceptibility to diseases. It is a tool designed to integrate into the crop-health management programs already used by growers," Scarso said. Initial focus on grapes Corteva said it plans to expand development of its technology to citrus and pome fruits in the short term. The launch of Rezist is part of Corteva Biologicals' broader strategy of developing technologies based on plant physiology and natural defense mechanisms, with the objective of complementing existing crop-management practices. For growers, the technology represents a preventive approach: rather than relying exclusively on post-infection intervention, the strategy seeks to increase the plant's physiological readiness before disease pressure reaches economically significant levels. (Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)

Corteva highlights integrated solutions at the Cotton Conference. Aug 21, 2026 The recent Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast provided a valuable opportunity for growers, consultants, researchers and industry partners to come together and discuss the future of Australian cotton production. Corteva Agriscience was proud to showcase its expanding portfolio of crop protection and plant performance solutions designed to support cotton growers from establishment through to harvest. Among the products generating strong interest were the trusted insecticide brands Transform WG and Applaud, both well-established tools in integrated pest management programs. Transform WG, powered by Isoclast active, continues to deliver effective control of green mirids while providing an important resistance management option and compatibility with beneficial insects. Applaud remains a key solution for managing silverleaf whitefly, helping growers target immature populations and support long-term resistance management strategies. A major focus of discussion at the Corteva stand was Jemvelva active (spinetoram), an exciting new insecticide offering for cotton. Jemvelva provides effective control of western flower thrips, heliothis and fall armyworm, delivering rapid feeding cessation, fast knockdown and strong residual performance. As a Group 5 insecticide with a novel mode of action, Jemvelva offers growers an important rotational partner that supports resistance management while fitting well within modern IPM programs. With increasing pressure from difficult-to-control pests across Australian farming systems, the introduction of another effective mode of action provides growers with greater flexibility to protect yield and maintain sustainable pest control programs. Beyond crop protection, Corteva also highlighted plant performance technologies designed to help growers maximise crop potential. ClearStart 22KZ attracted considerable interest as a highly available source of phosphorus and key micronutrients that promotes rapid establishment, strong root development and vigorous early growth. By enhancing nutrient availability around the root zone, ClearStart helps provide the foundation for a healthy, productive cotton crop. Also attracting attention was Bio-Forge, Corteva's new stress mitigation technology. Bio-Forge helps plants manage stress-related ethylene production, assisting crops in maintaining growth, fruit retention and overall plant health during periods of environmental stress. This is particularly important during flowering and early boll development, where moisture stress and adverse seasonal conditions can significantly impact final yield. By helping crops maintain physiological balance during these critical growth stages, Bio-Forge supports growers in protecting yield potential when conditions become challenging. Representing Corteva at the conference were Emma Twine, Caitlin Langley, Jack Madgwick, Cameron Steer and Dan Cornally, who enjoyed engaging with growers, consultants and distribution partners from across the Australian cotton industry. "There was tremendous interest in the new technologies Corteva is bringing to cotton," the team said. "Jemvelva was a standout topic of conversation, particularly its fit for western flower thrips, heliothis and fall armyworm control and the value of having another effective mode of action available to growers. "We also had many discussions around Bio-Forge and the growing importance of managing crop stress to protect yields during key growth stages." As the cotton industry continues to evolve, Corteva remains committed to delivering integrated solutions that combine crop protection, plant performance and stewardship. Through ongoing investment in research and development, Corteva will continue to bring innovative technologies and practical solutions that help Australian cotton growers improve productivity, profitability and sustainability.

Corteva highlights integrated solutions at the Cotton Conference. The recent Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast provided a valuable opportunity for growers, consultants, researchers and industry partners to come together and discuss the future of Australian cotton production. Corteva Agriscience was proud to showcase its expanding portfolio of crop protection and plant performance solutions designed to support cotton growers from establishment through to harvest. Among the products generating strong interest were the trusted insecticide brands Transform WG and Applaud, both well-established tools in integrated pest management programs. Transform WG, powered by Isoclast active, continues to deliver effective control of green mirids while providing an important resistance management option and compatibility with beneficial insects. Applaud remains a key solution for managing silverleaf whitefly, helping growers target immature populations and support long-term resistance management strategies. A major focus of discussion at the Corteva stand was Jemvelva active (spinetoram), an exciting new insecticide offering for cotton. Jemvelva provides effective control of western flower thrips, heliothis and fall armyworm, delivering rapid feeding cessation, fast knockdown and strong residual performance. As a Group 5 insecticide with a novel mode of action, Jemvelva offers growers an important rotational partner that supports resistance management while fitting well within modern IPM programs. With increasing pressure from difficult-to-control pests across Australian farming systems, the introduction of another effective mode of action provides growers with greater flexibility to protect yield and maintain sustainable pest control programs. Beyond crop protection, Corteva also highlighted plant performance technologies designed to help growers maximise crop potential. ClearStart 22KZ attracted considerable interest as a highly available source of phosphorus and key micronutrients that promotes rapid establishment, strong root development and vigorous early growth. By enhancing nutrient availability around the root zone, ClearStart helps provide the foundation for a healthy, productive cotton crop. Also attracting attention was Bio-Forge, Corteva's new stress mitigation technology. Bio-Forge helps plants manage stress-related ethylene production, assisting crops in maintaining growth, fruit retention and overall plant health during periods of environmental stress. This is particularly important during flowering and early boll development, where moisture stress and adverse seasonal conditions can significantly impact final yield. By helping crops maintain physiological balance during these critical growth stages, Bio-Forge supports growers in protecting yield potential when conditions become challenging. Representing Corteva at the conference were Emma Twine, Caitlin Langley, Jack Madgwick, Cameron Steer and Dan Cornally, who enjoyed engaging with growers, consultants and distribution partners from across the Australian cotton industry. "There was tremendous interest in the new technologies Corteva is bringing to cotton," the team said. "Jemvelva was a standout topic of conversation, particularly its fit for western flower thrips, heliothis and fall armyworm control and the value of having another effective mode of action available to growers. "We also had many discussions around Bio-Forge and the growing importance of managing crop stress to protect yields during key growth stages." As the cotton industry continues to evolve, Corteva remains committed to delivering integrated solutions that combine crop protection, plant performance and stewardship. Through ongoing investment in research and development, Corteva will continue to bring innovative technologies and practical solutions that help Australian cotton growers improve productivity, profitability and sustainability.