Biotalys’ first proteinbased biocontrol shows up in vineyards

Biotalys, the  agricultural Technology (AgTech) company in Ghent (Belgium) and listed at EURONEXT (Euronext – BTLS) is devolping protein-based biocontrol solutions protecting crops and food. The company unveiled promising results of its latest field trials with its biocontrol Evoca™. In 2021, an extensive program of 150 trials has been conducted to further support the regulatory dossier for Evoca in the EU, and to refine commercial positioning of the product in the US. The trials showed that, when applied at the flowering stage in a Botrytis (see picture) control program in grape, Evoca consistently outperformed a leading chemical fungicide. In the perspective of the company, this demonstrates Evoca’s potential as a pivotal tool to fight Botrytis, a costly and often devastating fungal disease.  

“Our field trial program continues to demonstrate the intrinsic strength of our first protein-based biocontrol Evoca. The latest results provide clear information on the product’s ideal positioning, highlighting a distinct commercial opportunity for Biotalys to position Evoca within a grower’s integrated pest management rotation,” said Patrice Sellès, CEO of Biotalys. “Adding more biocontrol solutions, like Evoca, into the hands of growers is essential for the transition to safer, more sustainable agricultural practices. Studying in-field results helps us develop best practices for how and when to add biocontrols into the traditional protection mix so growers can confidently use the right program and the right inputs at the right time based on the unique needs of their crops.”

When substituted for a leading chemical fungicide at the flowering stage in a commercial “gold standard” chemical fungicide rotation, Evoca provided significantly more control of Botrytis in grapes at harvest. Indeed, the Evoca program suppressed severity of bunch rot symptoms by approximately 73% when compared to untreated bunches, versus only 54% for the rotation program with only chemical fungicides.

Biotalys’ AGROBODY Foundry™ platform gives rise to novel protein-based biofungicide, where a comparable screening process is applied like for antibodies in human health. The company has several products in early development, Evoca is the leading one close to approval. It demonstrated strong performance across more than 600 independent and company-driven field and greenhouse trials across multiple regions, climates, soil types, production types, pathogen pressure and crops to date. Now, as the company states, Evoca is on track to obtain approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) later this year, while in the EU regulatory approval is expected by the end of 2024.

“As resistance to conventional crop protection solutions continues to build, growers are looking for new, effective yet sustainable ways to protect their yields, their soil health, their livelihoods and their ecosystem,” said Carlos Reyes, Head of Field Development at Biotalys, based in California.