Syngenta Biologicals and Silicon Valley biotech company Intrinsyx Bio are partnering on a new biological solution to boost crops’ nutrient use efficiency.

The collaboration will boost farmers’ access to a custom selection of Intrinsyx Bio’s proprietary endophyte formulations. Endophytes – small microorganisms that colonize in plants – fix atmospheric nitrogen directly into the plant, increasing the availability and uptake of key nutrients such as phosphorus and micronutrients that are important for plant health. This reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, offering farmers greater flexibility in their nutrient management strategies while lowering the environmental impact of farming. Formulations will be offered as seed treatment and foliar application in key agricultural crops.

“This agreement represents another opportunity to expand the reach of our ‘biology that works,’” said Greg Thompson, CEO of Intrinsyx Bio. “Partnering with Syngenta allows farmers around the world to benefit from endophytes proven mode of action and extensive field testing that improves nutrient use efficiency and increases crop yields.”