A nano-sized bio-degradable clay comprising double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) could offer a cost-effective, clean and green alternative to chemical-based plant pesticides
Fertilizers & Pesticides
Nitrogen preferred fertiliser for Thai farmers

More than 63 per cent of the market share was held by nitrogen fertilisers. (Image source: CIFOR/Flickr)
Thai farmers have used a total of 2.7mn MT of fertilisers in 2014, and this is expected to reach 3.34mn MT by 2019, growing at a CAGR of more than four per cent
New Zealand to be export base for USA fertiliser firm

One litre of Sumagrow should be added to 20 litres of water and sprayed on plants, said the company. (Image source: IFPRISouthAsia/Flickr)
US-based fertiliser manufacturer Bio Soil Enhancers is likely to establish Auckland, New Zealand, as a base to export throughout the Asia Pacific region
Chinese company acquires majority stake in Stockton Group

Stockton hopes to increase its market presence, thanks to the money from the stake sale. (Image source: Stockton Group)
China’s Sichuan Hebang Corporation Limited and Israel’s Stockton Group have entered into an agreement whereby Hebang Group will acquire 51 per cent stake in Stockton Group for US$90mn
New fungicide to fight black sigatoka disease

The fungicide will not leave any residue in the soil, water or air. (Image source: Neil Palmer/Wikimedia Commons)
Stockton-Agrimor Philippines, Inc. (SAP) has announced that the Philippine’s Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards has approved the full registration of its new fungicide for banana and plantain