Biotalys Continues to Demonstrate Strength of First Biocontrol in Latest Global Field Trials

Ghent, Belgium, May 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Press release

• In total, 160 field trials were performed in 2022
• Trials continue to showcase the efficacy of Biotalys’ first protein-based biocontrol Evoca across various high-value crops
• Following regulatory approval, fruit and vegetable growers will be able to use Evoca as a novel, safe and sustainable crop protection tool
  
  

Biotalys (Euronext - BTLS), an Agricultural Technology (AgTech) company developing protein-based biocontrol solutions for crop and food protection, today revealed the initial results of its latest field trials for its first biocontrol, Evoca*. Throughout 2022, Biotalys conducted more than 160 in-depth field trials in partnership with industry leaders like Biobest and Beck Ag across a wider variety of crops to support its product positioning in both the European Union and the United States.

As in previous years, the 2022 field trials showed excellent results for the use of Evoca against Botrytis in grapes. Both the original Evoca and an updated formulation consistently met or exceeded a leading chemical fungicide and biological solution against Botrytis – further demonstrating the product’s efficacy and reliability in overcoming fungal diseases that can decimate yields if left unchecked.

The figure below shows a comparison between a chemicals-only program and a rotation program under which Evoca is used in grapes at flowering instead of a chemical fungicide.

Note: Trials conducted in California, New York and Oregon across diverse climates. Vineyards represent a range of value, premium, and ultra-premium grapes. Boxes in the right-hand panel show FRAC (Fungicide Resistance Action Committee) codes for the reference chemical fungicides and Evoca used in all trials. FRAC codes were rotated per best practices for resistance management. The chemical references used are all rated 5/5 (excellent and consistent) by UC Davis for control of Botrytis on grapevines.

In grapes, Evoca stood out as a true replacer for standard chemical applications during the critical flowering phase in integrated pest management (IPM) programs, protecting against Botrytis across expansive trials throughout the United States and Europe. Vinification trials also continued to show no impact on wine quality and taste with Evoca.

“Our field trial results have proven that Biotalys’ first biocontrol product Evoca can bridge the gap between the performance and convenience of chemical solutions and the safety and sustainability profiles of biological solutions for produce growers,” commented Lacey Cole, Biotalys’ Head of Business Development and Marketing in the Americas. “We’re working closely with industry leaders like Biobest and Beck Ag to determine the best ways and times to work new, safer, more sustainable crop protection solutions like Evoca into growers’ established IPM programs.”