Arkema, the world’s largest producer of thiochemicals, has been granted registration by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Paladin®, an innovative, pre-plant soil fumigant that is very effective against nematodes parasites, weeds, and soil-borne plant pathogens.

Developed by Arkema’s R&D teams, Paladin® is a new and effective soil fumigant based on dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) - a substance derived from sulfur which is naturally present in the environment - for substitution of methyl bromide, which is being gradually banned as part of the Montreal Protocol. Paladin® is a restricted use pesticide and is only available for sale and use by Certified Applicators.

Paladin® soil fumigant has no ozone depletion potential, a low global warming potential, and is short-lived in the atmosphere. It is registered for pre-plant use for tomato, pepper, eggplant, cucumber, melon, strawberry, ornamental and forest nursery crops. It will be marketed in the United States through United Phosphorus Inc. (UPI). UPI has partnered with Arkema during the registration process, and provided field trial management and training during three years of field trials in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina under an EPA-issued Experimental Use Permit (EUP).

«The successful registration of Paladin® was made possible by the effective teamwork within Arkema and UPI. Since 2004, extensive R&D studies and over 250 field trials in 15 countries have been carried out to assess the potential impact of Paladin® on the environment and human health as well as its efficiency. Paladin® opens doors to new prospects for Arkema’s Thiochemicals » said Philippe Chartres, General Manager, Thiochemicals business unit.

With Paladin® expected to have worldwide application in soil fumigation, registration is being sought in Argentina, Turkey, Morocco, and Mexico. Just weeks ago, Israel issued a temporary registration for Paladin®, the first country to do so.

Paladin® has been shown to be very effective on its own in the control of parasitic nematodes. Co-applied with chloropicrin, Paladin® effectively controls most soil-borne plant pathogens and a wide range of weeds, including yellow and purple nutsedge.

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemical producer, Arkema consists of three business segments: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Present in over 40 countries with 13,800 employees, Arkema achieved sales of 4.4 billion euros in 2009. With its seven research centers in France, the United States, and Japan, and internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.

Paladin® is a registered trademark of Arkema.  More information on www.paladin.com