Kenya Flower Council (KFC) has told industry players to deepen investment in science to safeguard Kenya’s position as a global leader in floriculture.

KFC Chief Executive Officer Clement Tulezi noted that the sector is facing evolving pest pressures, stricter market requirements and rising production costs, which makes new technologies critical for sustaining growth and profitability.

“This is a milestone for our industry. Flowers employ over 200,000 Kenyans directly and every innovation that helps us maintain quality, meet residue standards and keep market access is welcome,” stated the CEO, insisting that the market keeps raising the bar, and farmers must keep up with new solutions to protect yields and remain competitive.

In a keynote address delivered on his behalf by John Njenga, KFC Scheme Manager Tulezi lauded Corteva Agriscience for selecting Kenya among the first countries globally to introduce Verpixo, describing it as a timely boost in the fight against powdery mildew – one of the most devastating diseases in roses.

“We are grateful that this product has been specifically developed with our flower industry in mind,” expressed Tulezi and noted that it will support farmers to manage disease more efficiently, maintain quality and protect access to demanding export markets.

Meanwhile, the launch brought together growers, regulators and scientists to unveil the new fungicide, which its developers described as the first of its kind in the ornamental market.

Speaking at the event, Posada Eduardo, the lead global scientist who presented Verpixo, revealed that the molecule took over 15 years to develop and represents a breakthrough in plant disease control.

“Verpixo is a completely new chemistry. It is our baby. It has a new mode of action and a new site of action, with no cross-resistance to existing fungicides – something this industry urgently needs,” he elaborated.

Further, Eduardo explained that Verpixo works on a unique internal site of the mitochondrial membrane, giving it strong preventive and curative power against powdery mildew.

“We do not get new molecules very often. This one will give farmers another tool and strengthen resistance management,” he added.

Concurrently, Everlyne Pamba, a researcher involved in the local trials mentioned that six years of testing in Kenya showed strong results.

“In untreated plots, powdery mildew progressed aggressively. But where Verpixo was applied at 125ml per 100 litres of water, no infection was observed. It is not a replacement for existing products but an addition to improve rotation programmes,” she narrated.

Equally, representatives from regulatory agencies confirmed that the product had met all required standards.

For instance, Peter Otieno of the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) reported that Verpixo had undergone rigorous toxicology, ecotoxicology and efficacy testing before approval.

“I want to confirm that this product is safe, effective and approved for use in Kenya,” he reiterated.

On the other hand, Moses Oyiera from KEPHIS pledged support for innovations that protect Kenya’s export reputation, noting that interceptions remain a major concern for the sector.

Also, Corteva’s Crop Health and Field Sciences Leader for Africa and the Middle East, Rene Jacobs, outlined the extensive research behind the product, stressing the company’s commitment to sustainability and farmer-centred solutions.

WESCA Business Leader Joseph Anampiu, commended growers and regulators for their collaboration.

“This launch marks the beginning of a new chapter in our sector. The partnership we see here today will help secure the future of Kenya’s floriculture,” he assured.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Mary Ndanu and Lucy Mwende