Sumitomo Chemical Advances Fungicide Pipeline with Bifemetstrobin Registration Applications
31 July 2026, Japan: Sumitomo Chemical has taken a significant step toward expanding its crop protection portfolio by submitting registration applications for its novel fungicide active ingredient, bifemetstrobin, to regulatory authorities in Japan, the United States, and Brazil.
Novel QoI Fungicide Targets Resistant Fungal Diseases
Bifemetstrobin, discovered by Sumitomo Chemical, belongs to the quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) class of fungicides. It works by disrupting the energy production process in pathogenic fungi, providing effective disease control across a range of crops.
According to the company, internal and external evaluations have demonstrated that bifemetstrobin delivers strong performance against fungal strains that have developed resistance to existing QoI fungicides. This includes soybean rust, one of the most damaging diseases affecting soybean production in Brazil and several other major agricultural regions.
Potential Tool for Fungicide Resistance Management
The emergence of fungicide-resistant pathogens has become a growing challenge for crop production worldwide. Sumitomo Chemical believes bifemetstrobin could become an important addition to integrated disease management strategies by offering growers a new option to combat resistant fungal populations while helping protect crop yields.
If approved, the new active ingredient is expected to strengthen disease control programs, particularly in crops where resistance to current fungicides has reduced treatment effectiveness.
Commercial Launch Planned After Regulatory Approval
Sumitomo Chemical expects to introduce products containing bifemetstrobin from 2030 onwards, subject to regulatory approvals. The company also intends to expand the registration and development program to additional agricultural markets beyond Japan, the United States, and Brazil.
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