LONDON (ShareCast) - Two products developed by Oxford-based crop improvement specialist Eden Research have been signed up for trials that could lead to licence deals with an existing client owned by Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo.
Sumitomo's Spanish and Italian chemicals businesses, Sipcam Italia and Sipcam Iberia, have signed evaluation agreements to carry out field trials on two new Eden products targeting important crop diseases.

Following successful work with 3AEY, Eden's treatment for botrytis, that saw Sipcam taking an exclusive licence in November, two trials throughout the rest of 2015 will now focus on the treatment of powdery mildew, which affects flowers and fruit, and apple scab with evaluation.

Should these trials prove successful, licence agreements could be signed in 2016 although Eden did not disclose details regarding potential financial value of such deals.

Powdery mildew and apple scab are both major diseases affecting high value crops.

Eden chief executive Sean Smith said: "We are pleased with the increase in activities with our partner, Sipcam. This is clear evidence that we are realising the potential to expand the commercialisation of our products and grow the existing relationship with Sumitomo related companies around the world."

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