NAIROBI, KENYA – Global agricultural science company Corteva Agriscience on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, launched a new fungicide in Kenya, Verpixo® 100 SC, specifically developed for rose growers. The product, powered by the company's new Adavelt™ technology, is designed to combat persistent fungal diseases that threaten the nation's economically crucial floriculture industry.

Kenya's floriculture sector is a cornerstone of its economy and a leading source of foreign exchange, alongside diaspora remittances, tourism, and tea. In 2024, the industry generated approximately KSh 108 billion (USD 835 million) in export earnings. Projections for 2025 suggest this figure could rise to KSh 110 billion (USD 851 million). The sector employs over 500,000 Kenyans directly and supports the livelihoods of more than two million people. However, the viability of this key export market is consistently challenged by fungal diseases, primarily powdery mildew and botrytis (grey mould), which can devastate production and compromise the quality of blooms destined for stringent international markets.

A New Tool for Disease Management

Verpixo® 100 SC introduces a novel active ingredient, Florylpicoxamid, to the Kenyan market. This ingredient is classified under the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) Group 21, which signifies a unique mode of action against fungal pathogens. According to Corteva, this new mechanism, which targets the quinone inside inhibitor (QiI) site in the fungal respiratory chain, shows no known cross-resistance with other existing fungicides, a critical feature for sustainable agriculture. By disrupting the energy production of the fungi, it effectively prevents spore germination and halts mycelial growth in the early stages of infection.

The introduction of a new mode of action is a significant development for growers who often face the challenge of fungicide resistance, where pathogens evolve and no longer respond to previously effective treatments. Rotating fungicides with different modes of action is a key strategy in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to delay the development of resistance.

Economic Implications for Kenya

The launch is positioned as a direct investment in the resilience of Kenyan farmers and the national economy. “The launch of Adavelt™ technology in Kenya represents more than a product introduction — it’s a testament to Corteva’s long-term investment in local innovation, farmer resilience, and the future of sustainable agriculture in Africa,” said Charles Mutema, Business Lead for Corteva Agriscience, during the launch event in Nairobi on Tuesday. Mutema has been with the company for nine years, representing both seed and crop protection platforms.

The European Union remains the largest market for Kenyan flowers, accounting for approximately 70% of exports. Meeting the high-quality and phytosanitary standards of these markets is non-negotiable. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew not only reduce the yield of marketable flowers but can also lead to the rejection of entire consignments, resulting in significant financial losses for growers. By providing a new and effective tool to manage these diseases, Corteva aims to help farmers produce higher-quality roses that consistently meet export requirements, thereby securing and potentially increasing their income.

Innocent Oeri, Corteva's Marketing Campaign Manager, emphasized the product's role in global competitiveness. “Verpixo® 100 SC is more than a fungicide — it’s a promise to Kenyan farmers that Corteva is committed to helping them compete globally,” Oeri stated on Tuesday. “By combining cutting-edge science with local insight, we’re enabling growers to deliver roses that meet the highest international standards.”

Global Context and Broader Significance

The Adavelt™ active ingredient (florylpicoxamid) is part of a new generation of picolinamide fungicides developed by Corteva. It is a broad-spectrum fungicide effective against a wide range of pathogens in over 30 different crops, including cereals, fruits, and vegetables. The technology has recently been launched in other key agricultural markets, including Australia, Canada, and South Korea, in 2023. Its introduction in Kenya specifically for the floriculture sector underscores the global importance of the country's flower exports.

The launch comes as the Kenyan agricultural sector navigates numerous challenges, including rising freight costs, climate change impacts, and calls for more stable tax policies to enhance long-term investment and competitiveness. Innovations that improve crop protection and yield are therefore critical for maintaining the sector's profitability and its significant contribution to Kenya's GDP. Corteva has stated that the product has a favorable safety profile with minimal impact on many non-target organisms. As with all crop protection products, adherence to label instructions for application and resistance management is crucial for its long-term efficacy and sustainability.