A breakthrough in fungicide innovation to enhance arable crop disease control and strengthen disease resistance management strategies

ADAMA Agricultural Solutions UK Ltd., a leading UK crop protection company, has announced today that its novel fungicide active ingredient, Gilboa™, has been classified as having a unique mode of action for cereal crops by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC).

Gilboa™ is the trade name for flumetylsulforim, an imino-tosyl-pyrimidinone chemistry which has been classified as Group 32 by the FRAC. This novel mode of action in cereals targets nucleic acid metabolism, a biochemical pathway that has never previously been utilised by cereal fungicides. This significant innovation provides valuable protection against key diseases in cereals and oilseed rape, including septoria and sclerotinia, offering UK farmers a powerful tool for disease resistance management.

"Gilboa represents a major step forward in fungicide innovation, providing growers with an entirely new way to combat fungal pathogens in cereals and oilseed rape," said Ben Miles, Managing Director, ADAMA Agricultural Solutions UK Ltd. "Its novel mode of action, along with its compatibility with existing fungicides, makes it a vital addition to disease management strategies."

Fungal diseases such as septoria have developed increasing resistance to existing fungicides, reducing the effectiveness of chemistries including SDHIs, azoles and strobilurins. Gilboa's new mode of action therefore offers farmers a much-needed alternative, helping them to protect crop quality and yield.

"Gilboa is a game-changer for UK and European farmers, as it represents a breakthrough in sustainable disease control," Ben continues. "Its novel mode of action, which targets nucleic acid metabolism, provides much-needed diversity in fungicide options, which is especially critical as all recent cereal fungicide launches have been of similar modes of action.

"By expanding the range of active ingredients available to UK farmers, Gilboa provides long-term, reliable disease control whilst also reducing the risk of resistance development. This innovation empowers farmers with more effective, long-term strategies to protect their crops and secure their yields."

Since its early development, ADAMA has conducted a significant number of trials which have shown that Gilboa consistently delivers outstanding results: "In wheat trials, Gilboa delivered superior septoria control compared to existing solutions," Ben adds. "Gilboa also provided extended disease control, with a lasting effect of up to 35 days after final application. Trials also revealed that more than 70% of the flag leaf area remained green for a longer period after the last treatment, contributing to higher yields."

Gilboa was submitted for registration in 2023 and is expected to receive approval in Great Britain in 2027 and in the EU in 2029, with further registrations planned for additional territories.

Field events will take place in the UK during June 2025, enabling customers to witness Gilboa's technical performance firsthand.