A look at two new ‘green’ products to repel fungi and birds

Products such as biofungicides are also exempt from maximum reside limits (the maximum level of pesticide residue permitted in or on a crop), meaning they can also be sprayed on produce up to the point of harvest in order to control disease during the most susceptible stages. “Applying biopesticides to preserve produce and potentially extend shelf life after harvest is substantially more cost effective than allowing food waste due to rot during storage,” explains Sean Smith, CEO of UK-based Eden, a manufacturer and developer of several ‘green’ crop production products.

Companies that make bio-fungicides, pesticides and more continue heavy R&D efforts to not only boost efficacy of specific ingredients, but to improve formulations to deliver the best results and through the most suitable modes of application. Improved product stability and shelf life are other attributes that companies continue to improve.

Two new products

Eden has recently released Mevalone, a biofungicide used for treating and preventing occurrence and spread of fungal diseases such as Botrytis and mildew. It delivers a controlled release pattern of multiple terpene active ingredients and enables controlled release upon dilution of the formulation in water. The capsule is not eroded during the release process; terpenes exit via pores, which open upon hydration. The pores close again when the capsule experiences osmotic stress/dehydration.

Ecovelex, a seed treatment which is applied to grain seeds to repel bird consumption through an unpleasant odour and taste. Like Mevalone, it has a unique capsule suspension formulation.

Eden’s products typically perform on par with conventional chemistry, says Smith. Mevalone has demonstrated comparable control to that of established products, both in registration trials and commercial applications. Ecovelex showed an efficacy level slightly higher than the conventional product, Korit.

Many ‘green’ products and their active ingredients are also permitted for use in organic agriculture in Europe and other jurisdictions. Smith explains that “Mevalone and Cedroz (Eden’s nematicide) hold organic certification in Europe. Depending upon local approval, this means that produce sprayed with either Mevalone or Cedroz can still be sold as organic on supermarket shelves, provided that farmers comply with all requirements of their local organic certifying body.”

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Return on investment

Eden did not have specific data on ROI, but ROI is very difficult to quantify for any crop protection product.

Individual farmers will see somewhat different returns depending on what products were used previously and how effective those products were, the cost difference between that product and the ‘green’ product, growing conditions such as soil type and temperature range, the crop in question (seed and other input costs, harvest and any storage costs, commodity price after harvest), severity of insect/disease/avian infestation and individual growing season factors that can exacerbate or lessen crop injury.

Commercial availability

Eden’s crop protection products are sold across the globe. “Mevalone and Cedroz have the widest market distribution owing to the fact they have been on the market for longer,” says Smith. “The map below shows where these two products have regulatory approval and are being sold. Ecovelex is currently allowed in Italy under a temporary approval. Eden is awaiting registration across Europe, which is expected in the next 12 to 18 months.”