From Nature to Innovation: The Mapuche Legacy Inspiring Modern Agriculture
Innovation often begins with a simple observation of nature. This principle, deeply ingrained in the traditions of the Mapuche people of Chile, is now shaping the future of sustainable agriculture in the Americas. For centuries, the Mapuche have recognized the remarkable properties of Quillaja saponaria, commonly known as the soapbark tree. Its bark, rich in natural saponins, has been used for cleansing, medicinal applications, and other traditional practices. Today, this evergreen tree is inspiring a modern solution to protect crops while promoting ecological balance.
Syngenta, in partnership with Botanical Solution Inc. (BSI), has taken this natural wisdom and translated it into a botanical-based biofungicide, Quillibrium®. Leveraging BSI’s proprietary plant tissue culture technology, Quillibrium® is designed to safeguard a variety of crops from fungal diseases without compromising biodiversity. With the expansion of Syngenta’s exclusive agreement with BSI, this innovation is now reaching growers across the Americas, including Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Quillibrium®: A Botanical Solution for Modern Farming
Quillibrium® represents a convergence of tradition, science, and sustainability. Derived from Quillaja saponaria, this biofungicide uses BSI’s tissue culture platform to produce consistent, high-quality extracts. Unlike conventional harvesting methods, this approach does not require the extraction of bark from protected trees, preserving ecosystems while delivering a reliable supply of the active ingredient.
Since 2021, Syngenta and BSI have collaborated with farmers in Chile and Peru to combat some of the most challenging crop diseases, including Botrytis, Sour Rot, Powdery Mildew, and Alternaria alternata. Trials with grapes, tomatoes, berries, cherries, and other high-value crops have shown significant improvements in both yield and product quality. These results demonstrate how a nature-inspired solution can provide practical, scalable benefits for modern agriculture.
Expanding Access Across the Americas
Building on the successful rollout in South America, Syngenta is now introducing Quillibrium® to new markets across the Americas. Under the expanded agreement, the biofungicide—currently marketed in Chile as BotriStop®—will be distributed for crop protection, turf and ornamentals, and post-harvest applications in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
This expansion ensures that more farmers have access to an effective, sustainable tool for integrated disease management. By offering Quillibrium® alongside conventional crop protection solutions, Syngenta strengthens its commitment to helping growers build comprehensive pest management programs that balance productivity with environmental responsibility.
Supporting Sustainable Agriculture and Biodiversity
A central advantage of Quillibrium® lies in its sustainability profile. Traditional chemical fungicides, while effective, often carry risks for non-target organisms and soil health. Quillibrium®, by contrast, provides a botanical alternative that minimizes ecological impact. By using tissue culture technology, Syngenta and BSI can produce consistent extracts without harvesting bark from wild or protected Quillaja saponaria trees. This approach safeguards biodiversity, ensuring that the natural habitats of these important trees remain intact for future generations.
The product’s eco-friendly profile aligns with the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices. Farmers can protect their crops while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals, contributing to long-term soil health, water quality, and overall ecosystem resilience.
Syngenta and BSI: Pioneering Partnerships in Agricultural Innovation
The successful commercialization of Quillibrium® reflects the synergy between Syngenta’s global agricultural expertise and BSI’s cutting-edge botanical technology. Emilhano Lima, Syngenta’s Global Head of Seedcare and Biologicals, emphasizes:
“After years of development and successful commercialization in Chile and Peru, we’re thrilled to bring Quillibrium® to new key markets, expanding Syngenta’s integrated disease control portfolio. By fostering collaboration with innovators like BSI, we are enabling farmers in the Americas to build effective pest management programs that combine biologicals and conventional solutions.”
Gaston Salinas, CEO of Botanical Solution Inc., adds:
“Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategic approach that enables farmers to maximize yield and quality while managing pests effectively. Quillibrium® is a natural way to safeguard fruits and vegetables from multiple pathogens, easing farmers’ adoption of comprehensive crop protection strategies. We’re excited to be Syngenta’s partner of choice to make botanical-based products like Quillibrium® available to more growers across the Americas.”
This partnership exemplifies how collaboration between biotech innovators and established agricultural leaders can accelerate the adoption of sustainable solutions worldwide.
Benefits for Growers: Yield, Quality, and Confidence
Farmers who have adopted Quillibrium® in Peru and Chile report measurable improvements in crop quality and marketability. By reducing the impact of fungal pathogens, growers achieve higher yields and produce fruits and vegetables that meet stringent quality standards. The biofungicide is particularly valuable for high-value crops such as grapes and berries, where disease pressure can directly affect profitability and export potential.
Additionally, Quillibrium® supports post-harvest protection, helping maintain crop integrity during storage and transport. This dual functionality, both in-field and post-harvest, provides farmers with a flexible and reliable tool to protect their investments from pre- and post-harvest losses.
Nature-Inspired Innovation Meets Market Growth
The biologicals market is experiencing rapid expansion, projected to exceed USD 20 billion by 2030. Nature-inspired innovations like Quillibrium® position Syngenta at the forefront of this growth, providing solutions that deliver both profitability and resilience. By integrating botanical biofungicides with conventional products, farmers can implement more sustainable, effective, and economically viable pest management strategies.
As the agricultural sector faces increasing pressure to balance productivity with environmental stewardship, solutions like Quillibrium® demonstrate that innovation rooted in nature can be a win-win for both growers and the planet.
A Future of Sustainable Crop Protection
Quillibrium® exemplifies how traditional knowledge, modern science, and sustainable practices can converge to address global agricultural challenges. From the wisdom of the Mapuche people to advanced plant tissue culture technology, this botanical biofungicide is a testament to the potential of nature-inspired solutions.
By expanding Quillibrium® into the Americas, Syngenta and BSI are empowering more farmers to adopt integrated pest management programs that prioritize sustainability without compromising productivity. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to creating resilient, profitable, and environmentally responsible agricultural systems that will benefit farmers, consumers, and ecosystems alike.
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