Sonata Provides Growers an Effective Alternative to Chemical Pesticides

AgraQuest, Inc. proudly announces EPA approval of Sonata® Biopesticide for control of downy mildew, powdery mildew and rusts. The approval marks the fifth organic product AgraQuest has ushered through the EPA within 12 months. The first biopesticide to provide 14-day mildew control, Sonata underscores AgraQuest's commitment to providing sustainable, effective alternatives to chemical pesticides.

Sonata was tested in over 300 efficacy field trials in high value fruit and vegetable crops where it provided excellent control of powdery mildew on grapes and apples, and downy mildew on leafy vegetables. Sonata is based on a naturally occurring patented strain of the bacterial species Bacillus pumilus. This strain, which produces natural pesticidal compounds, was discovered and developed by AgraQuest's scientists as a tool for growers grappling with resistance challenges. Like all biopesticides in AgraQuest's line of natural products, Sonata employs a complex mode of action that decreases the probability that a plant pathogen will develop resistance to pesticides.

Biopesticides are reduced risk products based on biological or naturally derived chemistry. By combining performance and safety, these products offer benefits not generally realized by conventional pesticides. Benefits include efficacy while providing customers the flexibility of minimum application restrictions, residue management, resistance management, and human and environmental safety. "Many growers resort to chemical pesticides not out of choice but because they aren't aware that biopesticides are an effective choice for disease control. Our goal is to continue to educate growers on the proven performance of biological chemistry, both on its own and as part of a successful resistance management program," said AgraQuest Chairman and Founder, Dr. Pam Marrone.

Sonata® Biofungicide is one of several products from AgraQuest's extensive pipeline. Also pending at the EPA are Arabesque(TM) Biofumigant and Virtuoso(TM) Bioinsecticide.

AgraQuest is a biotechnology company that focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and marketing effective, safe and environmentally friendly natural pest management products for agricultural, institutional and home markets. Internationally recognized venture capital firms, influential growers and agribusinesses back AgraQuest. AgraQuest received the 2003 Presidential Green Chemistry Award for the development of Serenade® Biofungicide, a 2004 Red Herring Top 100 Private Company Award, and 2004 World Technology Award for the Environment.