Corteva Agriscience announced the U.S. launch of Verpixo fungicide for sugarbeets, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has registered the product for use in the 2026 growing season. EPA registered 2026 The product centers on a new active ingredient, Adavelt, which the company says the EPA has designated as a reduced-risk chemistry.
Verpixo brings a new mode of action to the sugarbeet market, introducing a FRAC Group 21 chemistry for growers. FRAC Group 21 Derived from a naturally occurring compound found in soil bacteria, Corteva describes the fungicide as broad-spectrum and designed to give growers more application flexibility within established spray programs.
Cercospora leaf spot remains the primary fungal threat to sugarbeets, producing repeating cycles of infection that damage leaf tissue, reduce photosynthesis and cut sugar accumulation in roots. 30% yield loss Corteva and its marketing lead Colleen Kent cite lab and field tests showing Verpixo with Adavelt active is effective against CLS, which industry sources link to significant annual yield impacts when not controlled.
Product features
Verpixo moves translaminarly through leaf tissue, allowing protection of both upper and lower leaf surfaces, and the company reports the chemistry currently has no known resistance. Corteva says that profile makes the product suitable for inclusion in resistance-management programs alongside other fungicides and cultural controls. The company also highlights compatibility with standard tank-mix practices to fit existing application routines.
Corteva has positioned the product’s environmental profile and natural origin as compatible with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches, saying Verpixo supports beneficial insects while targeting the CLS pathogen. The reduced-risk designation by the EPA is part of that positioning, and Corteva notes the product is cleared for growers to use during the 2026 season across the United States.
Resistance management
Growers facing declining efficacy from older chemistries and some genetic traits now have an additional mode of action to rotate into spray programs, according to the company. Corteva emphasizes that Verpixo’s translaminar movement and lack of documented resistance to date can help extend the life of other fungicides when used as part of a planned rotation and integrated strategy.
Corteva says Verpixo with Adavelt active is now available for the 2026 season and supports standard tank-mix partners and application timings recommended for sugarbeet CLS control.
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