Spain-based biologicals company ATENS has expanded the approved uses of its biofungicide TRICOTEN WP to include maize seed treatment, adding a new application for its Trichoderma atroviride AT10-based product.

The approval, initially granted in France, allows TRICOTEN WP to be used on maize seed against Pythium, a soilborne pathogen that can damage seeds and young plants during germination and emergence.

The company describes the product as the first Trichoderma-based biofungicide authorized in the European Union for seed treatment. The approval opens the way for ATENS to pursue registrations in other European markets through mutual recognition procedures and additional national authorizations.

Development trials showed that TRICOTEN WP reduced disease incidence at levels comparable to those achieved by the chemical reference products evaluated, according to the company. The results point to potential for the biological product as an alternative tool for protecting maize during early crop development.

Seed treatment places crop protection products directly on the seed, allowing protection to begin during germination and emergence. This is particularly important in maize, where Pythium infections can interfere with crop establishment, reduce plant populations and affect yield potential.

ATENS said product development focused not only on biological effectiveness but also on meeting the practical requirements of commercial seed treatment operations. These include uniform product distribution, compatibility with existing treatment processes and maintaining microorganism viability during drying, storage and up to planting.

TRICOTEN WP uses mature, stable spores of T. atroviride AT10 produced through solid-state fermentation. Its formulation is designed to simplify preparation and application while maintaining stability on treated seed.

ATENS said it intends to pursue further applications for TRICOTEN WP in additional crops and markets, building on the maize seed treatment approval.

Founded in 1994, ATENS develops, produces and commercializes microbial products for plant nutrition, biostimulation and crop protection. The company focuses on microorganisms and naturally derived active substances for agricultural applications.