2012 Meeting | A new generation of bacterial biofungicides based on the bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (strain D747) from Certis USA for use in vegetable and fruit disease control.

Poster Session: Biological Control-IPM-Sanitation

125-P

A new generation of bacterial biofungicides based on the bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (strain D747) from Certis USA for use in vegetable and fruit disease control.
H. HIGHLAND (1), S. Ockey (2), M. Dimock (3)
(1) Certis USA, Nokomis, FL, U.S.A.; (2) Certis USA, Yakima, WA, U.S.A.; (3) Certis USA, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.

In 2010, Kumiai Inc., Japan, licensed to Certis USA a new generation of bacterial biofungicides based on Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (Ba D747) for global development under the experimental number CX-9032. Kumiai scientists discovered and patented the Ba D747 strain, the active ingredient used in Kumiai’s Ecoshot® product in Japan. Ba D747 is a broad-spectrum, high potency, preventative biofungicide/bactericide for control or suppression of fungal and bacterial plant diseases. Ba D747 kills pathogenic organisms on foliage and other plant parts by producing antibiotic compounds (iturins) which disrupt pathogen cell wall production. Ba D747 also colonizes plant root hairs, preventing establishment of disease-causing fungi and bacteria. The U.S. EPA approved registrations of several Ba D747-based products in December 2011. The first product was launched in the U.S. in April 2012 under the name of “Double Nickel 55^TM” for control of powdery mildew, Botrytis and bacterial diseases of fruiting and leafy vegetables, grapes, strawberries and tree fruit. Compared to other bacterial-based biofungicides, Double Nickel 55 is highly potent which allows growers to use lower and more economical application rates. Ba D747, when applied to the soil, colonizes plant root hairs, preventing establishment of disease-causing fungi and bacteria. Application for a European Union Annex-I registration was submitted in 2011, and an approved provisional national registration in Italy occurred in February, 2012. The product, named “Amylo-X®” was launched in Italy by Intrachem Bio Italia SpA. In New Zealand, Etec Crop Solutions is launching a Ba D747 product this season under the name of “Bacstar®”.