Syngenta, Amoéba SA move to advance biological crop protection for Europe and the UK

EUROPE – Syngenta and French greentech firm Amoéba SA have taken a major step toward strengthening biological crop protection in Europe and the UK.

Their work centres on amoebas, the single-celled microorganisms now driving a new bio-fungicide that shields wheat and other cereals from fungal diseases that drain billions of dollars from food systems each year.

The product comes from the lysate of the amoeba Willaertia magna C2c Maky. Trials show that it controls harmful fungi and helps crops activate their own defence responses. The developers also designed it to fit well within modern integrated crop management.

A collaboration to grow biological solutions

Syngenta Crop Protection and Amoéba SA recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop and commercialize new biocontrol products for the EU and UK markets. They plan to agree on a full distribution deal by spring 2026.

Their goal is to give farmers stronger biological tools at a time when pest resistance rises and other crop protection options continue to shrink.

Matthew Pickard, Syngenta’s Head of Seedcare and Biologicals for Europe, said: “At Syngenta, we are committed to deliver advanced, effective biological solutions at the cutting edge of science. We’re proud to work with Amoéba to offer nature-inspired solutions that empower farmers in these important markets.”

Amoéba leaders Benoit Villers and Jean-François Doucet welcomed the step. They said: “We are very pleased with the collaboration with Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural innovation. This agreement, which should lead to distribution and development partnerships between our two companies, is a major step forward for Amoéba. It gives us the opportunity to combine our scientific expertise with Syngenta’s widely recognised leadership in cereal protection and the marketing of biocontrol solutions. Finally, it perfectly illustrates how collaboration between innovators in the sector can make a difference for farmers while paving the way for broader applications in field crops.”

Wheat diseases at the centre of the plan

The partnership will first target two major wheat diseases: septoria tritici blotch and yellow rust. These diseases affect an estimated 9 to 12 million hectares of wheat across Europe and the UK each year.

In Germany alone, septoria tritici blotch causes yield losses between 5 and 50 percent and yearly costs of about €1.5 billion (US$1.62 billion). Yellow rust can cut yields by 10 to 70 percent and can even wipe out entire fields when varieties lack resistance.

Founded in 2010, Amoéba created a patented biocontrol technology based on the lysate of Willaertia magna. The approach gained global attention when it received the Bernard Blum Gold Medal in October 2025 for the most promising biocontrol solution.

In June 2025, EU regulators approved the active substance following an EFSA review and a European Commission decision. Product authorizations now sit in progress. These steps help set the stage for wider use in cereals and future applications across field crops.

This growing body of scientific progress and regulatory support now gives both companies a strong base as they prepare their next steps for the market.

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