The DuPont scientists who developed the insect control product Rynaxypyr were named the newest “Heroes of Chemistry,” an award bestowed by the American Chemical Society.
“What makes Rynaxypyr the game-changer for agriculture is not only the new chemistry, but also the way we integrated chemistry and biology to fundamentally redesign the new active ingredient discovery process,” said Rik L. Miller, president of DuPont Crop Protection. “This new process involving integrated science, leveraged our research team, and elevated key health and environmental characteristics to the same level of importance as pesticidal activity.”
The product enables farmers to more effectively protect yields and as a result recover more value from their crops. It targets pests, without hurting beneficial insects. Farmers in developing countries can realize the benefits of Rynaxypyr through increased yield, which helps feed their families, and the associated economic benefits that come with increased profitability, according to a release.
Scientists from DuPont that were honored are: John H. Freudenberger; Thomas P. Selby; Daniel Cordova; George P. Lahm and Thomas M. Stevenson. Rynaxypyr is registered in 94 countries on more than 400 crops, including vegetables, pome and stone fruit, tree nuts, grapes, corn, cotton and many other crops.
In 2012 alone, more than 28 million farmers around the world benefitted from the insect control provided by Rynaxypyr.
The “Heroes of Chemistry” recognizes scientists whose innovative work in chemistry and chemical engineering led to the development of commercial products that benefit humankind.
