Novozymes and Syngenta announced a global agreement under which Syngenta will work with Novozymes to commercialize JumpStart technology, a seed-applied biological that increases phosphate solubilization in the soil. The two companies will jointly develop the market for JumpStart in combination with Syngenta’s Seed Care portfolio on arable crops, including cereals and corn. The agreement extends the geographical potential of JumpStart, currently sold mainly in North America, to the rest of the world.

Phosphorus is an essential macronutrient for the healthy growth of young plants. JumpStart is based on a unique fungus, Penicillium bilaii, which increases phosphate solubilization for uptake into the plant through the root system. The market potential for seed-applied technologies that increase phosphate use efficiency is estimated at over $100 million.