Biotalys, an agricultural technology focused on biological crop protection, announced that the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) granted an entirely new class for the active ingredient of its first biofungicide, Evoca. This new classification, granted by an international panel of technical experts, indicates Evoca could complement existing biological and conventional crop protection to fight Botrytis and powdery mildew.

Evoca is a protein-based biofungicide developed to help control fungal diseases such as Botrytis and powdery mildew in fruits and vegetables. Evoca could work as part of an integrated pest management program. Evoca has been tested in more than 500 field and greenhouse trials. The company hopes to receive EPA approval later this year.

Defined as a polypeptide in the recently published 2022 FRAC Code List (under F10), the bioactive in Evoca earned the new classification after providing scientific evidence supporting a novel mode of action targeting membrane integrity of the fungal pathogen, which sets it apart from existing chemicals, microbials and plant extracts.

FRAC is an industry expert group focused on maintaining fungicide effectiveness amid increasing resistance. FRAC members are recognized industry experts in the field of fungicide resistance. They are actively engaged in scientific work and discussions and are frequent contributors at scientific symposia. The FRAC Mode of Action (MoA) classification provides growers, advisors, extension staff, consultants and crop protection professionals with a guide to the selection of fungicides for use in a fungicide resistance management strategy.

Biotalys is a Belgium-based corporation. Its U.S. headquarters are in Durham, N.C.

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