Belgium-based DCM has been granted emergency authorization for its biocontrol product DCM PEA-02 in Belgium, Portugal, Spain and Germany.

DCM PEA-02 is a biocontrol product based on bacteriophages, specifically developed for the control of fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) in apple and pear trees.

The temporary authorization is valid from 1 March to 28 June 2026 in Belgium and Portugal, from 15 March to 12 July 2026 in Spain, and from 16 March to 13 July 2026 in Germany.

PEA-02 was developed in collaboration with the research institute Scientia Terrae and the American biotech company OmniLytics, recognized as a pioneer in bacteriophage technology. Drawing on an extensive European collection of bacterial isolates, genetically characterized through innovative molecular techniques, a product was developed that is specifically tailored to the European bacterial population.

DCM PEA-02 has previously received international acclaim with the Golden Bernard Blum Award 2023, granted to the most innovative biocontrol product in the sector.

Also, the product was tested in two trials in Portugal, in Rocha pear orchards where blight pressure was present. DCM said the results show “a clearly noticeable difference between the treated plots and the reference or untreated plots.” A timely start of applications around the flowering period, repeated treatments, and a rain free period of six hours after spraying are crucial factors, noted the company.

DCM continues to work on completing the full registration process for DCM PEA-02. Once successfully evaluated, the product will become permanently available for professional users across Europe.