Syngenta Crop Protection, in partnership with Enko, announced on January 18 the discovery of a new chemical compound for effectively controlling fungal diseases in crops. This compound, developed through the use of a digital technology platform, works through a new mechanism of action and specifically targets diseases that pose a threat to cereal crops.
In recent years, Syngenta Crop Protection and Enko have been applying cutting-edge drug discoveries and R&D methods used in the pharmaceutical industry to agriculture.
By harnessing digital technology, they are able to screen billions of chemical molecules in DNA-encoded libraries. Artificial intelligence and machine learning models are then employed to identify the most effective and selective molecules.
The integration of digital tools has greatly expedited the molecule discovery process, while ensuring that the molecules adhere to stringent safety standards. As a result, the development of new crop protection solutions has become significantly more efficient.
The discovery is a significant milestone in the collaboration between Syngenta Crop Protection and Enko. Currently, the two companies are working on optimizing the characteristics of the fungicide and conducting rigorous testing to ensure its safety and efficacy.