Syngenta Crop Protection and Amoéba, a greentech company based in Lyon, France, have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop and commercialise a novel bio-fungicide solution based on the lysate of the amoeba Willaertia magna C2c Maky.
This single-celled microorganism - which was discovered in the thermal waters of Aix-Les-Bains, France in 1998 - has been found to be a natural predator of water-borne microorganisms (including pathogenic bacteria such as: Legionella, Pseudomonas, Listeria and Klebsiella). In trials, the organism proved to be effective in combating fungi responsible for fungal diseases that impact wheat and other cereal crops.
The companies said that they will initially focus on combating the main diseases of wheat; these being septoria tritici blotch (STB) and yellow rust. These diseases impact an estimated 9
nine to 12 million hectares of wheat across the UK and Europe each year. In Germany alone, STB causes yield losses of five to 50% and costs €1.5 billion each year. Yellow rust can reduce yields by 10-70% and even lead to total crop failure in susceptible varieties. The companies said they intend to negotiate a “definitive distribution agreement” by spring 2026.
The new biocontrol, which is aimed at the EU and UK markets, will offer farmers a biological solution that enhances the sustainability of their farming practices. It also addresses the challenge of increasing pest resistance to existing products, the companies said.
Amoéba that during 2022, the active substance obtained approval in the US, this was followed by Europe in 2025. Meanwhile product approvals have been granted in the US and are expected in the coming months in Europe. During October 2025 Amoéba’s biocontrol product received the Bernard Blum Gold Medal as the most promising biocontrol solution worldwide.
Benoit Villers, chairman of the board of Amoéba, said: “This agreement is a major step forward for Amoéba. It gives us the opportunity to combine our scientific expertise with Syngenta’s widely recognised leadership in cereal protection and the marketing of biocontrol solutions.”
Amoéba added that its active substance, for the treatment of microbiological risk, also has application in the cosmetic market. The company said: “The cosmetic application does not require prior approval from a competent authority in Europe or the US. The cosmetic ingredient is already registered on the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients list, paving the way for it to be marketed worldwide except in China, where local approval is required.”
Further reading:
- Syngenta: Agricultural innovation in challenging times
- Bayer and Silal extend sustainable agriculture partnership
- Syngenta launches innovation, collaboration and accelerator platform
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