Cross-Industry Innovation Beyond Fertilizers and Pesticides: Second Phase

Under the 'Green Food System Strategy' promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, which sets a goal of reducing chemical fertilizer usage by 30% by 2050, agricultural producers are required to establish systems that achieve both efficient fertilization and the suppression of environmental impact. Against this backdrop, there is increasing interest in biostimulant materials that support agricultural production by enhancing physiological functions and strengthening resistance to external stress. These materials are positioned as 'third materials' that assist in solving growth issues that cannot be fully addressed by conventional fertilizers or pesticides. In particular, materials derived from mycorrhizal fungi, which form symbiotic relationships with crop roots and promote the uptake of nutrients and water from the soil, are gaining significant attention for their utility.

Against this background, Katakura Coop Agri Co., Ltd., which has been deploying the nitrogen-fixing bacteria 'Utrisha™ N' domestically, and Corteva Agriscience Japan K.K. are launching the sales of the mycorrhizal fungi material 'MycoUp™' as the second phase of their cross-industry collaboration beyond the barriers of fertilizers and pesticides.

'MycoUp™' is a biostimulant material provided by Corteva Agriscience Japan K.K., which has been introduced to the Japanese market based on its track record of use worldwide. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi) contained in 'MycoUp™' form a symbiosis with crop roots, supporting healthy crop growth by assisting in the absorption of nutrients and water beyond the reach of roots through hyphae. By symbiotically interacting with roots and complementing the root zone with hyphae extending from the roots, it is expected to increase the absorption efficiency of nutrients such as phosphate and water in the soil. Furthermore, it is expected to contribute to the promotion of root growth and the improvement of root structure. Through the utilization of this material, it is anticipated to contribute to the reduction of environmental load and the stabilization of yields while complementing and optimizing conventional fertilization systems.

Katakura Coop Agri Co., Ltd., leveraging its expertise in soil and fertilization design cultivated over many years as a fertilizer manufacturer, as well as its nationwide sales and dissemination system, is promoting solution provision tailored to regional cultivation conditions by integrating biostimulant materials with fertilizer proposals. Sales and dissemination activities within the domestic distribution network will be handled by the Katakura Coop Agri Group, and in close cooperation with Corteva Agriscience Japan K.K., they will develop technical support and proposal activities for local agricultural producers.

The two groups aim to contribute to supporting stable crop production and quality improvement, as well as the realization of agriculture in harmony with the environment, through the dissemination of 'MycoUp™'.