A dinuclear cobalt complex is particularly effective against a fungus that attacks date palms. Similar complexes also work against bacteria, according to the European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry.

The fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. albedinis (Foa) threatens date palms in North Africa by causing Bayoud disease, in which the leaves turn white and the palm eventually dies. As this is detrimental to the local economy and exports - combined with the risk of spreading to other continents - scientists are searching for compounds that can help the palm to defend itself. An international team, including researchers from Morocco, Leuven and Romania, has synthesised a dinuclear cobalt complex with tetrazoles and pyrazoles that effectively inhibits the fungus.