Biotalys has won approval to test its next-generation biofungicide candidate, EVOCA NG, on commercial farms in the Netherlands. The Dutch Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides granted the permission. It marks the first commercial use of the product under real growing conditions.
EVOCA NG is built on AGROBODY, Biotalys’ protein-based biocontrol technology.
The product targets two fungal diseases, Botrytis and powdery mildew. Botrytis infects flowers, fruits, leaves and stems. It causes tissue decay and grey mould, which cut yield and marketable quality. Powdery mildew grows mainly on the surface of leaves and other green tissue. It weakens plant growth and affects fruit quality.
Growers can now run trials on up to 150 hectares of tomatoes, 150 hectares of cucumbers and 50 hectares of strawberries. That is far larger than the demonstration program of earlier years, which used the first-generation product, EVOCA. Harvested produce from the trials can enter the food chain.
CEO Carlo Boutton described the approval as an important milestone. He said the trials offer real-world validation as development and production optimisation continue. He also said it shows growing regulator confidence in the safety and potential of the technology.
The timing matters for growers. Many conventional fungicides face resistance, are being phased out or are no longer authorised. EVOCA NG aims to help them protect yield and quality.
Earlier trials drew positive feedback. Noud Dings of Brookberries said EVOCA gave great results on 3.7 hectares of strawberries, where it replaced a synthetic fungicide in a rotation program. Rob van Enckevort of De Peelkroon said he used EVOCA against powdery mildew in strawberries for a second year running.
The trials aim to familiarise farmers with the technology and support early adoption. European registration and launch are expected in 2029.
