DuPont today announced the completion of supply agreements with Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (“Mitsui”) for the fungicide active ingredient Penthiopyrad. DuPont and Mitsui had previously signed a joint development agreement for new fungicides using Penthiopyrad, which controls a broad spectrum of diseases, such as Botrytis in fruits and vegetables and Septoria in cereals.

Penthiopyrad is highly effective against a broad range of damaging plant diseases, some of which have developed resistance to fungicide chemistry classes. Penthiopyrad is expected to become a valuable product offering in DuPont’s growing fungicide portfolio. First sales are scheduled for 2010. The license from Mitsui covers sales in the European Union, Australasia, and the Americas.

“By enhancing our fungicide portfolio, we are able to better meet the needs of our global customers for cutting-edge products that help them be successful in the marketplace,” said James C. Collins, Jr. , vice president and general manager – DuPont Crop Protection . “We look forward to a long and productive co-development partnership with Mitsui.”

Koichi Tominaga, executive vice president of Mitsui, said, “We are very pleased that DuPont has decided to license Penthiopyrad. We are confident that Penthiopyrad satisfies customers’ needs and strengthens the partnership between DuPont and Mitsui.”

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.