Phage-based biological targets bacterial diseases in tomatoes and peppers

By Janet Kanters

EcoPhage has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval for GoldenEco, a phage-based biopesticide for bacterial diseases in tomatoes and peppers, and has signed a non-exclusive U.S. distribution agreement with CNI AG.

The September 16 EPA approval covers GoldenEco for diseases caused by Xanthomonas and Pseudomonas species. The regulatory milestone clears a key hurdle for commercialization, subject to applicable state registrations and other requirements.

The September 24 distribution agreement gives CNI AG responsibility for marketing and sales of GoldenEco through its network of independent agricultural retailers. CNI AG, founded in 1974, operates 24 distribution centres across 40 states and serves more than 600 independent agricultural retailers.

GoldenEco uses bacteriophages, naturally occurring agents that infect and destroy specific bacteria. EcoPhage says the product is designed to provide targeted control of bacterial plant pathogens as an alternative to conventional disease-management programs.

“Receiving EPA approval for GoldenEco is a major achievement for EcoPhage and an important milestone in our commercialization strategy,” said Guy Elitzur, CEO of EcoPhage. He said the company can now move from years of research, field testing and regulatory work toward making the product available to U.S. growers.

The company said GoldenEco has also shown field performance in U.S. trials, including disease control that it described as superior to conventional copper-based grower practices.

The EPA approval also represents the first EcoPhage product to reach the U.S. commercial market. The company is developing additional phage-based products aimed at bacterial diseases in other crops.

“We are building a portfolio of phage-based solutions for some of the most challenging bacterial diseases affecting agriculture, and we believe biological crop protection will play an increasingly important role in the future of sustainable farming,” Elitzur said.

CNI AG’s distribution role is intended to expand access to the product through independent agricultural retailers. Conner Maple, CNI AG’s business unit lead, specialty ag, said the distributor is looking forward to introducing the technology once GoldenEco receives the necessary approvals.

“Bacterial diseases remain a significant challenge in tomato and pepper production, and growers are looking for additional effective and sustainable tools,” Maple said. He described GoldenEco as an additional option for disease management and said CNI AG will work with EcoPhage and growers on its introduction.

The two companies said they will focus on market development, distributor and grower engagement as they prepare for the U.S. launch.