What is behind this glaring weakness in the biological portfolio? Is there a technological shortcoming that our industry just needs to accept, or is there hope for bioherbicides in the future? To find out, 2BMonthly editors assembled a panel of experts from among leading biologicals companies known to be working in this area. Included in the panel were Amanda Eade, Regional Sales & Key Account Manager at Certis Biologicals, Christophe Maquin, Marketing Director at De Sangosse, Louis (Lucho) Boddy, Bioherbicides Group Leader at Pro Farm Group, and Tim Johnson, retired former VP field development from Marrone Bio Innovations (now Pro Farm Group). The discussion centered around the current state of the bioherbicide market, the challenges to finding competitive bioherbicides, and the outlook for bioherbicides in the future.
Maquin set the stage with the observation that one of the industry's most obvious challenges relates to the baseline framing farmers' expectations.
Christophe Maquin,Marketing Director atDe Sangosse
"We are coming off of 50 years of using glyphosate, which has been a very cheap and effective means of weed control,” noted Maquin. "This has set a very high standard." He says current bioherbicide products in Europe can’t match the systemic activity of glyphosate and, as a result, biological solutions are confined mainly to markets where glyphosate is either banned or restricted, such as the home and garden market and amenities in France and Europe.
Boddy agreed. “There is a particular consciousness and stigma about using certain chemistries in the home and garden market in the U.S. which leads consumers to look for
other options,” Boddy said. He noted that while in the states there is no ban on the use of glyphosate like those in France and elsewhere in the EU, “we already see more alternatives to glyphosate being advertised in the home and garden market, and more shelf space being devoted to these products in garden centers.”
Fundamental challengesMost bioherbicide products used in the U.S. and EU markets today are nonselective desiccants based on oils or organic acids. While these products do have some limited use as burndown products in commercial agriculture, Maquin pointed out that's only part of the herbicide equation.
“The main question for bioherbicides is how to give the grower the longest efficacy with large weed spectrum in a systemic product,” he said.
“Cost, coverage, and use rates are also significant barriers with current acid and oil products," noted Eade, “and the potential of endangering nontarget crops or other plants is another chief concern with these non-selective products.”
“Clearly the market (for bioherbicides) right now is extremely small,” said Johnson. “Thus far, microbials – with rare exception – have not proven to be a source for bioherbicides." Johnson says changing that story remains a clear objective at Pro Farm Group, but thus far it has proven extremely difficult.
Tim Johnson,retired former VP field development from Marrone Bio Innovations(now Pro Farm Group)
“Marrone Bio discovered and registered two microbial bioherbicides, but the current cost of production exceeds what the marketplace will accept,” said Johnson. Despite this, Eade points out there are a number of herbicide chemistries on the market today that were discovered originally as microbial metabolites, then later synthesized. That's a hopeful sign.
Boddy said while the downside of glyphosate may be the high expectations it has created, the upside may be the effects of its widespread use.
“Glyphosate resistance creates an opportunity,” he said. “Today, most growers are already turning to other chemical herbicide modes of action. Longer term, the complex modes of action offered by a bioherbicide could be an asset.”
Another challenge for bioherbicides is the sheer number and variety of weeds that must be controlled.
“If you consider the number of pest cells you need to control per acre, the number of plant cells in weeds far exceeds the number of fungal cells or insect cells,” said Boddy. “And plants are resilient to begin with. You can kill part of the plant and it can recover. So, from the point of view of the target organism, weed control is more complicated.”
Eade maintained that the challenge of crop selectivity is a major hurdle, but there are others that are common in the biocontrol sphere.
“Growers want selective products, and with bioherbicides it is really hard to have something that is broadleaf specific or grass specific,” said Eade. “But there is also efficacy, consistency of activity, lack of residual, narrow (weed) spectrum, the amount of spray volume needed for coverage, formulation issues, shelf life, and balancing efficacy with environmental impact. Finding the balance of all these factors is a tall hurdle for any new bioherbicide product.”
Amanda Eade,Regional Sales & Key Account Manager at Certis Biologicals
External factorsRestrictions on use of chemical herbicides may lead to increased opportunities for bioherbicides, however.
“When you don't have enough solutions, it is necessary to find new ones,” said Maquin. “This relates not only to bioherbicides. It will be bioherbicides plus other solutions depending upon the crop, climatic conditions, and other parameters.” He added that in many areas, hand labor is a viable and complementary option for weed control in some crops. This alternative may pose a challenge if bioherbicide options are priced at a premium.
One option with the potential to overcome some of these challenges is combining chemical and biological actives in a single product. The herbicide market in the U.S. has a long history of using combination products for chemicals. Johnson observed that (chemical) herbicides sold as premixes with multiple active ingredients have been a staple for a very long time. Still, that would add another technical challenge. Mixing microbials with chemicals isn't easy.
“Finding traditional chemistries to mix with a bioherbicide that will be shelf stable as a premix is certainly going to be challenging,” agreed Eade. “Even tank mixing multiple biologicals can create an environment that isn’t conducive to microbials.” If the bioherbicide is based on metabolites and not live microbials, that may help to overcome this challenge.
One potential solution to the cost challenge is integration with precision ag. This rapidly growing area of agriculture allows for improved detection and recognition of weeds followed by spot applications. Robotic approaches are being investigated for mechanical and spot spraying solutions for weed control, and bioherbicides could be integrated into some of these solutions. However, distinguishing the weed from the crop, especially grassy weeds in grass crops, remains a big challenge.
Louis (Lucho) Boddy, Bioherbicides Group Leaderat Pro Farm Group
What the future holds When asked to predict what the market for bioherbicides would look like in 2030, all panelists agreed the growth of bioherbicide use will start with successes in selected areas. But there will not be a major change overnight. Even if the perfect bioherbicide active were to be discovered tomorrow, development of a formulation to provide the selectivity, systemic action, and residual control demanded by growers is a difficult challenge.
Maquin suggested that high value crops, such as vines, may be an early adopter of bioherbicides. He observed that accelerated adoption could also be possible “where image and positive public opinion is key, making bioherbicide use possible because product cost is not the driving issue.”
Johnson agreed the growth of bioherbicides will take time,but the regulatory situationwill play a critical part.
“Obviously if existing materials are banned, necessity is the mother of invention, but on the other hand, regulatory hurdles can make it difficult to get a biological material registered as well.” Johnson also concurred there will be success stories and that higher value crops will lead, but they will not be the only examples. Nonetheless, he believes the overall impact on the bioherbicide market will remain modest by 2030. Boddy echoes this sentiment.
“Before we can have dramatic change in the market, we have to start with examples we can build upon,” said Boddy. “Even glyphosate was not an overnight success. It took decades to grow to its current position. That said, the rate of discovery of new chemical herbicide modes of action is near zero and there is clearly a need for new modes of action for weed control. That’s the big opportunity right now – market pressure and necessity is mounting, which makes bioherbicides a viable consideration.”
DunhamTrimmer is the industry’s premier market research company focused exclusively on the global biocontrol, biostimulant, biofertilizer, and crop nutrition markets. With 150-plus years of combined experience, DunhamTrimmer helps its clients navigate these rapidly expanding markets, and develop and execute a strategy tailored to achieve their unique business objectives.
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Previous page: Photo: BTU Center
There has been increaseduse of drones in Ukrainian agriculture among bothlarge-scale agribusiness and small-scale farmers. A market leader in biological inputs, Ukrainian company BTU Center provides an overview of how this came about and how drones are now being employed across the agricultural sector, such as delivering biocontrol products on sunflower crops, as well as examples in otherEuropean markets.
Overview of Ukrainian marketThe adoption of drones in Ukrainian agriculture has surged in recent years, becoming a critical tool for both large-scale agribusinesses and small-scale farmers. This shift was driven by the need for more efficient and precise farming practices, as well as the increasing challenges posed by climate change and resource management.
Drones, equipped with sensorsand artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, are changing the way farmers monitor crops, manage resources, and make decisions. These technologies enable the collection of data on crop health, soil conditions, and pest infestations, which in-turn makes it easier for the grower to use more targeted interventions and optimize the use of inputs like water, fertilizersand pesticides.
The Ukrainian government has recognized the potential of drones to transform the agricultural sector and has launched several initiatives to promote their adoption. These initiatives include government subsidy schemes for purchasing drones, as well as training programs for farmers. The government's support has been instrumental in lowering the barriers to entry, particularly for small- and medium-sized farmers who might otherwise not be able to afford the initial investment.
Drones, equipped with sensors and AI capabilities,are changing the way farmers monitor crops, manage resources and make decisions.Photo: BTU Center
In addition to government support, the Ukrainian market has seen a rise in the number of local drone manufacturers, who are contributing to the accessibility and affordability of drone technology. These manufacturers are not only producing cost-effective alternatives to imported drones but are also fostering innovation by developing drones tailored to the specific needs of Ukrainian agriculture. This local production has led to the creation of specialized drones capable of handling the diverse conditions found across Ukraine's agricultural landscape, from the expansive wheat fields in the east to vineyards and orchards in the west.
Moreover, the increased availability of affordable drone options has spurred competition and encouraged farmers to integrate this technology into their operations. As a result, drones are now being used for a variety of tasks beyond crop monitoring, including planting seeds, applying fertilizers and pesticides, and even conducting livestock surveillance. This versatility makes drones an indispensable tool, enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Ukrainian agronomists and drone operators have developed valuable expertise in using drone technology for agriculture, which could be of benefit to other European markets.
Advantages of drone application
Fuel economy. Drones can target specific areas of a field rather than driving a traditional sprayer across the field.
Efficient use of working hours. Drones allow for quicker application of biocontrol agents, reducing the time needed for treatment and increasing overall efficiency.
Preservation of crop integrity. Traditional sprayers can cause rutting and trampling, leading to a loss of 1.5-3 percent of the crop. Drones eliminate this issue, preserving the crop and maximizing yield.
Flexibility in weather conditions. Drones are not hindered by wet conditions that can prevent sprayers from operating. This flexibility allows for timely treatment, regardless of weather changes.
Targeted application. Drones can focus on specific disease centers within a field, providing targeted treatment that is not possible with traditional sprayers.
Drones can focus on specific disease centers within a field, providing targeted treatment that is not possible with traditional sprayers. Photo: BTU Center
BTU's experience with drone-applied biocontrol
Sclerotinia for sunflowers. BTU has successfully utilized drones to apply its product Sclerocid to sunflower in flower bud stage. Sclerocid is a biological fungicide to protect against causal agents of white mold and other diseases.
Glueing for rapeseed and soy. Applying Liposam glue to rapeseed and soy crops using drones has demonstrated significant benefits. One of the key challenges in mature crops is the difficulty of using traditional sprayers without causing damage. Drones overcome this issue by providing precise applications without trampling the plants. Liposam bioglue provide protection against cracking of rapeseed and legume pods, legumes, flax and cotton bolls, fruits and berries.
Experience in Eastern Europe “This year, BTU’s Liposam adhesive was applied across 1,000 hectares, marking a significant milestone in Moldova's agricultural landscape. This achievement was made possible with the help of XAG, the leading drone supplier, which facilitated the application using a rotary nozzle,” said Pogreban Stanislav, manager for plant protection products at WeTrade company, Moldova. “Over the past three years, drone technology has advanced considerably. Although initially met with skepticism, drones have now become a standard tool in the agricultural sector. Drones are not expected to completely replace traditional methods, but their usage is on the rise, particularly due to the challenges posed by climate change.
“For instance, high plants can make it difficult for conventional sprayers to access fields, positioning drones as a viable alternative,” notes Stanislav. “One major advantage of drones is their reduced water requirement during application. Furthermore, there are almost no restrictions on the products that can be applied with drones. However, drones are less effective with contact-action products, which require thorough plant wetting. In orchards, drone usage is still emerging, but its potential isbeing explored.”
In Slovakia, drone application legislation primarily regulates the use of fertilizers, with granulated rodenticides also being permitted. Despite these regulations, drone usage in Slovakia has extended beyond these confines. Several companies now offer drone application services, and the results have been promising, particularlyin fertilizer application.
Ukrainian agronomists and drone operators have developed valuable expertise in using drone technology for agriculture.
Photo: BTU Center
Initially, farmers were hesitant due to the low water volumes used in drone applications. However, even with limited use of biological products in Slovakia, there have been successful applications of BTU products like Ecostern and Fitobact by Organix, BTU’s partner in Slovakia. These products were applied immediately after rainfall, yielding results comparable to traditional sprayers. Both farmers and companies recognize the significant potential of drones in large-scale agriculture.
A key advantage of drone application is the ability to deliver fertilizers deep into the crop canopy, reaching the lower part of the leaves and the soil, which is especially beneficial when using microbiological preparations. Some large-scale farmers, after witnessing the benefits of drones on their fields, have decided to invest in their own drones. These drones are typically managed by a dedicated operator and are used to treat areas that traditional sprayers either missed or couldn’t reach.
In Hungary, drones have been increasingly adopted for precision farming and crop protection. Drones equipped with advanced sensors are used for field mapping, allowing farmers to monitor crop health and optimize resource use. The integration of drones with aerial spraying technology has become more common, particularly in fragmented landscapes where traditional machinery may not be as effective. Hungary is also exploring the use of drones for aerial planting, which reduces labour costs and enhances sustainability.
Overview of Ukrainian agricultural drone market in 2024 The agricultural drone market in Ukraine has seen significant growth in 2024. Ukrainian farmers are increasingly turning to drones for various applications, including crop monitoring, soil analysis and fertilizer spraying, to enhance productivity and reduce costs and safe soil from harmful machinery impact.
Ukrainian farmers are increasingly turning to drones for various applications, including crop monitoring, soil analysis and fertilizer spraying.Photo: BTU Center
Key trends
Increased adoption: The use of drones in agriculture has become more widespread, with both large-scale agribusinesses and small farmers recognizing their benefits.
Technological advancements: Modern drones equipped with advanced sensors and AI capabilities are providing more accurate data, enabling better decision-making.
Government support: The Ukrainian government has introduced several initiatives to support the adoption of agricultural drones, including subsidies and training programs for farmers.
Local manufacturers: The presence of local drone manufacturers has increased, offering more affordable options and fostering innovation within the country.
Environmental benefits: Drones help in precise application of fertilizers and pesticides, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Market challenges
High initial costs: Despite the long-term benefits, the high initial investment for purchasing and maintaining drones can be a barrier for some farmers.
Regulatory hurdles: Navigating the regulatory framework for drone usage can be complex, although efforts are being made to streamline these processes.
Skill gap: There is a need for more training programs to ensure farmers and agribusinesses can effectively utilize drone technology.
Future outlookThe future of the agricultural drone market in Ukraine looks promising. Continuous advancements in drone technology, combined with supportive government policies and increasing awareness among farmers, are expected to drive this growth in the near future. The drone market is poised to play a crucial role in transforming Ukraine's agricultural sector, making it more efficient, sustainable, and competitive on a global scale. ●
Previous page: Colorado potato beetle (left) and ladybird (right) are both beetles in crops. But is only the Colorado beetle sensitive to the new biotechnological pesticides? Defining similarities and differences in species sensitivity to the new types of pesticides is one of the goals of the new research center ENSAFE.
Biotechnological pesticides are a promising alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. But we have limited knowledge of how toxic they are to other organisms in the environment beyond regulatory assessments. A new research centre will now work to provide this knowledge – especially to ensure the EU has a chance of joining the growing market for biotechnological pesticides.
"If a thing kills something, we need to know how it kills, and who and what else it may kill," says Professor Nina Cedergreen of the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences.
She is referring to biotechnological pesticides, or more specifically, pesticides that consist of all-natural RNA and peptide molecules designed to combat diseases and pests in agricultural crops which make use of cutting-edge biotechnologies. In some countries, they are classified as biopesticides and are believed to be less of a threat to the environment and public health than conventional chemical pesticides, which there is a political ambition to cut back on.
No RNA or peptide products have yet been approved in the EU, however, they are gaining traction in the rest of the world.
"Biotechnological pesticides show promise to make ever-increasing global food production less dependent on chemical pesticides,” says Cedergreen. “Manufacturers claim that biotechnological pesticides are environmentally safe because they are based on natural biology. The fact is that these are toxic substances that kill pests and diseases; none the less we are only starting evaluating their environmental impact. That’s what we’ll be trying to move forward.”
Professor Nina Cedergreen of the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences.
Cedergreen heads ENSAFE, a large new research centre that the Novo Nordisk Foundation has funded with DKK 60 million (€8 million). In addition to Cedergreen, the research consortium consists of Jan Gorodkin from the Faculty of Health Science at the University of Copenhagen, Jeppe Lund Nielsen from Aalborg University, and David Spurgeon and Helen Hesketh from UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Together they will provide evidence-based knowledge about the risks of both RNA and peptide-based biopesticides.
A threat to ladybugs andpossible allergens? RNA-based pesticides work by switching off identifiable genes in specific insect pests, viral or fungal diseases, which causes them to die or become unviable.
"Today, we don’t know whether RNA pesticides only kill the pests we target, as there is little public data available on how they affect beneficial insects and other helpful critters. For example, how can we know if a toxin only affects Colorado beetles and not ladybugs? Our hypothesis is that there must be related animals that are sensitive to RNA agents as well. This is a hypothesis that we’ll be setting out to test," says Cedergreen.
Peptide-based pesticides work by mitigating specific enzymes in pests or microorganisms that cause plant diseases. Peptides can, for example, be hormones or defense compounds. Insulin in humans and spider venom are examples of peptides.
"While peptides are natural compounds, we know that most human allergies are actually triggered by peptides, including pollen and soy allergies. So what and how much does it take for peptides to trigger the immune system of other organisms than humans? These are among the questions that we’ll need to answer," says Cedergreen.
The researchers aim to answer two overarching questions: to what extent can humans and organisms be exposed to biotechnological pesticides when they are used as directed for agriculture; and, to what degree are these amounts toxic?
"By acquiring this knowledge, we’ll be able to assess the overall risk of a pesticide. If a toxin disappears quickly from the environment, the risk to both humans and the environment tends to be relatively limited, as we won’t be exposed to it,” explains Cedergreen. “However, it is well known that peptides, for example, can take quite a long time to break down. So will any toxins from the field remain in our foodstuffs when they reach the supermarket? This is what we need to know.”
Europe lags far behindAuthorities in many countries have adapted their approach to biopesticides, where several products are already in use, including in the United States, South America and Asia. The situation is different in the European Union.
Regardless of whether a plant protection product is natural or a synthetic chemical, pesticides must go through the same restrictive approval process in the EU; a process that typically takes five to 10 years and costs applicants roughly €45 million. However, the problem isn’t just that the approval system in the EU is slow and expensive – it is also not geared to the new biotechnological pesticides.
Cedergreen explains: “The European approval system is tailored specifically for chemical pesticides, leading to some odd contradictions. For instance, the system may require you to provide a boiling point for a substance made up of living microbes, which clearly doesn't apply. This highlights how certain aspects of the current approval process simply don't make sense.”
She points to the time horizon as another critical obstacle. "Many companies are currently developing biotechnological pesticides. Start-ups, however, cannot afford to wait a long time before they know if they have a market and can begin making money. That's why they look beyond Europe, which leaves us behind.
"This is the dilemma Europe is facing,” adds Cedergreen. “We want to be careful about what we spray onto our food and feed. But it is unwise if we are so restrictive that we miss out on the biotechnological development booming around the world. Such developments can potentially produce better and less environmentally harmful plant protection products which ultimately will replace chemical pesticides."
The ambition of the new research center is therefore to develop the tools necessary for the EU to efficiently assess the environmental risks of various biopesticides.
"We need to create the knowledge we lack to regulate new biotechnological plant protection products in a safe way, as well as in a way that is smarter and faster than the process that chemicals currently need to go through in the EU," says Cedergreen. ●
Machine learning will identify sensitive species
The Research Center ENSAFE will also investigate if it is possible using machine learning tools to predict which organisms will be sensitive to specific biotechnological pesticides.
“With the quickly growing genome-databases as inputs, AI tools can likely be developed to screen species for the gene-combinations that the biotechnological pesticides are designed to shut down. This would make it possible to target the studies required by industry for regulatory purposes towards the most sensitive species” says Jan Gorodkin.
By Janet Kanters
Nutrien Ag Solutions has made a significant stride in the agricultural technology sector with the acquisition of Suncor Energy’s AgroScience assets, marking a strategic expansion into the biocontrol market.
The acquisition includes several patented and patent-pending technologies, notably a chlorin-based photosensitizer aimed at revolutionizing integrated pest management (IPM) worldwide.
The newly acquired technology, developed by Suncor Agroscience, represents a breakthrough in biocontrol solutions. Unlike traditional synthetic crop protection inputs, this chlorin-based photosensitizer offers a novel mode of action that enhances efficacy while supporting resistance management strategies.
The company states that initial research and field trials have demonstrated its capability to deliver exceptional pest and disease control, stability and economicvalue, comparable to conventional chemistries.
Casey McDaniel, Vice Presidentof Loveland Products, the proprietary brand of Nutrien Ag Solutions, highlighted the strategic significance of the acquisition as Nutrien's first step into the biocontrol segment. He emphasized the potential of the chlorin-based photosensitizer to address global agriculture challenges effectively, supporting yield maximization and sustainability goals.
Casey McDaniel, Vice President of Loveland Products,the proprietary brand ofNutrien Ag Solutions
“This acquisition is in line with where our ambitions are with novel, patented, and highly effective technologies that continue to advance grower yields and crop quality,” said McDaniel.
The chlorin-based photosensitizer formulations are expected to debut in select global markets by 2025, with regulatory submissions to the EPA in the U.S. anticipated by 2026. Nutrien Ag Solutions plans to integrate these innovative solutions into its extensive Loveland Products portfolio.
"As our first novel innovation in the biocontrol segment, this technology will complementing leadership position in the biostimulant market. We've been actively exploring synergies in biotechnologies, evident from our recent agreements with Ascribe Biosciences and Elemental Enzymes,” noted McDaniel.
Innovating biocontrol with natural solutions Francisco Manzano Mier, Director of Global Business Development at Nutrien, discussed the technological advancements inherent in the chlorin-based photosensitizer. "Derived from naturally abundant chlorophyll, this compound leverages existing industrial scale production capabilities," Manzano explained. "Its formulation into a biocide represents a breakthrough in agricultural biocontrol, effectively addressing scalability challenges faced by many biological products."
The technology’s unique mode of action is based on ‘photo dynamic inactivation’. Once the product is sprayed and is in contact with the pest or the pathogen, exposure to light will cause the active ingredient to release reactive oxygen species that damage the cellular walls of the pest and/or the pathogen. In the case of insects, the photosensitizer will pierce through their cuticle and exoskeleton, causing these pests to lose the ability to retain fluid and the ability to thermoregulate, leading to mortality. “On the pathogen, the same things happen, piercing through the organism, it essentially leads to dehydration and death as well,” said Manzano.
He emphasized the product’s dual benefits of stability and efficacy, supported by more than140 third-party studies. "This technology not only outperforms existing natural alternatives but often matches synthetic chemistry standards," he pointed out.
Manzano also highlighted its environmental benefits, citing its non-toxic mode of action and compatibility with IPM practices.
Francisco Manzano Mier, Director of Global Business Development at Nutrien
Manzano said from a pest perspective, the produce will work best “on soft bodied insects. So, sucking, chewing insects, your aphids, your thrips, your whitefly, mites as well,” he says. “On disease control, it’s broad spectrum because of the mode of action. The disease has to be above soil – under soil there’s no light. If there’s no light, there’s no activation of the compound.”
Another exciting aspect of this technology is the fact that it is a curative fungicide – killing the disease on contact. According to Manzano, it’s not technically a preventative fungicide, but it will prevent the development of the disease if sprayed during the early stages of disease establishment.
Future outlook and market implicationsRegarding market scalability and partnerships, McDaniel emphasized leveraging existing global networks to expedite market entry and optimize product deployment strategies. "Collaborations with partners across Europe, Africa and Asia will accelerate our efforts to establish a robust presence in these regions," he affirmed.
With plans for imminent market introductions and ongoing regulatory engagements, Nutrien Ag Solutions anticipates a swift commercialization timeline. McDaniel said the technology's broad- spectrum efficacy against a range of pests and diseases, coupled with its curative properties, positions it as a versatile tool for farmers adopting integrated pest management strategies.
Moreover, its stability and cost-effectiveness make it a viable alternative to traditional chemicals, appealing to markets increasingly focused on sustainable agricultural practices.
He added that the technology “fits nicely into our current production options. We believe we can take this technology right into our current crop protection manufacturing assets and scale it.
“Biologicals are important next-step tools for elevating the potential in every field,” said McDaniel. “In the coming months and years, we aim to bring more of these types of offerings to market under the Loveland brand or partner brands for farmers of all scales and in all geographies.” ●
Silvec Biologics, a Maryland based agtech company that develops RNA-based plant protection products, announce that a first-of-its-kind RNA vector delivery product, developed in collaboration with Southern Gardens Citrus (a subsidiary of U. S. Sugar), University of Florida, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, to combat citrus greening disease, has progressed to the Full Science Review Phase of the EPA Pesticide Regulation Improvement Act (PRIA) registration process following successful completion of Milestone #4 – Technical Screen in July 2024.
Citrus greening has had a massive impact on citrus production globally, with Florida being especially hard hit with 2023 production down 80 percent from its pre-disease peak. In a news release, Silvec stated it is the exclusive sublicensee of U.S. Sugar’s novel delivery vector developed in conjunction with the University of Florida and antimicrobial peptide technologies developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Research.
The product is based on a mild and naturally untransmittable version of a virus found in most citrus trees that has been reprogrammed to express a natural antimicrobial peptide found in spinach. A single application has been demonstrated in field trials to provide long-term reduction in yield declines caused by the citrus greening bacteria. Silvec noted this product is the first of its kind to use a viral vector to reduce damage from pathogens, is compatible with all commercial citrus varieties, and does not genetically modify the tree orits fruit.
“As U.S. Sugar made a strategic realignment to focus on increasing its Florida sugarcane production, we are confident in transitioning our citrus vector technology to Silvec for commercialization,” said Mike Irey, director of research and special projects at U.S. Sugar. “We believe this important technology will play a critical role in reducing the scourge of citrus greening.”
According to Rick Dantzler, executive director of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), a partnership between Florida citrus growers and government agencies, “CRDF sees the citrus vector technology as playing an instrumental role in helping to reduce the catastrophic effects of citrus greening on Florida citrus production and Silvec has our full support with its regulatoryapproval process.”
The citrus vector product has been approved by USDA for commercial use in all Florida counties following a positive Environmental Impact Statement issued by USDA in June 2020. Silvec, along with its regulatory partner, the IR-4 Project, filed an EPA registration application in January 2024 which commences an 18-month review process.
“We are very excited to build on the pioneering work by U.S. Sugar, the University of Florida, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research over the past 15 years and look forward to begin commercializing the citrus vector product once all regulatory approvals are in place” said Dr. Rafael Simon, Silvec CEO.
Added Kranthi Mandadi, Ph.D., professor of plant pathology and microbiology at Texas A&M AgriLife Research: “After years of research and development, we are pleased to see the citrus vector and spinach defensin technology advance to the EPA registration phase and get closer to approval. This endeavor is a perfect example of the public-private sector relationships that are crucial to creating impact and innovative solutions to complex problems such as citrus greening.” ●
Micropep Technologies announced a US$29 million Series B funding round along with its proprietary discovery platform, Krisalix.
The company, with operations in the U.S. and France, has developed a proprietary AI-powered discovery platform for micropeptides, which are short protein molecules naturally produced by plant cells and have an infinite number of applications.
Micropep plans to use the Series B funding to accelerate go-to-market strategy through partnerships, complete the regulatory studies of the first biofungicide molecule, and expand its pipeline of micropeptide active ingredients on the Krisalix platform.
The round was led by Zebra Impact Ventures, and BPI Green Tech Investment. All existing investors, Fall Line Capital, FMC Ventures, Sofinnova Partners, Supernova Invest, and IRDI Capital Investissement also participated, bringing the company’s total funding to more than $51.8 million.
Micropep's proprietary discovery platformMicropep unveiled its proprietary discovery platform, Krisalix, along with this round of funding. Krisalix enables the company to discover new micropeptide-based active ingredients much faster and more efficiently than traditional methods. The company said Krisalix combines proprietary micropeptide design algorithms with a unique suite of bioassays to measure efficacy, stability and production feasibility. Together, these capabilities enable Micropep to rapidly discover the most promising micropeptide molecules for crop protection.
"This new round of funding, happening in a particularly complex financing environment, is a great mark of recognition of both the exceptional results we achieved so far at Micropep and the future potential of our micropeptide discovery platform and first active ingredients," said Thomas Laurent, chief executive officer and co-founder of Micropep. “We are uniquely positioned to provide a whole new category of sustainable active ingredients based on micropeptides to the crop protection industry, working hand-in-hand with selected partners at different stages of the product development lifecycle. This new round of financing will help us strengthen our existing relationships and build new strategic alliances with leading R&D, manufacturing, commercial and distribution companies in our industry. We believe this is the only sustainable way to scale a company like ours and bring our micropeptide active ingredients to as many farmers as possible worldwide.”
The company said it will also continue its research efforts in France, exploring innovative ways to grow its proprietary discovery platform and enhance its testing capabilities to maximize impact. ●
Thomas Laurent, chief executive officer and co-founder of Micropep, said the new round of financing will help the company strengthen its existing relationships and build new strategic alliances with R&D, manufacturing, commercial and distribution companies.Photo: Micropep
