Feb 19, 2021

Asperello T34 Biocontrol label expansion means more crops to benefit     

The biofungicide Asperello  T34 Biocontrol has been granted label expansion in the US to cover an array of field-grown and protected crops.

“Growers from across the U.S. had waited patiently for this,” Veronica Cervantes, Biobest product manager for microbials in North America, said in a news release. “They wanted access to the tools growers in other countries already benefiting from – we are delighted the wait is over in regard to Asperello.”

New label additions
In the U.S., this biofungicide can now be used on a big range of food crops – including tomatoes, cucumber, leafy salads, strawberries and grapes – as well as hemp, turf and a wide range of outdoor and indoor grown ornamental crops*. As well as new crops, diseases and growing conditions, the new Asperello label includes several additional methods of applications – including seed treatments, foliar applications and soil dry incorporation.

Multiple modes of action

“Containing the antagonistic fungus Trichoderma asperellum strain T34 – this biofungicide rapidly colonizes plant roots forming barriers against pathogens while supporting healthy roots and, therefore, plant growth,” Cervantes said. “With multiple modes of action – reducing risk of resistance – Asperello triggers plants’ natural defense mechanisms while parasitizing and actively killing pathogens.

“Outperforming many conventional and biological fungicides, used preventatively it provides welcome protection against major root diseases including Fusarium, Pythium, Phytophthora and Rhizoctonia. Organic growers can also use Asperello T34 Biocontrol as it is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in the USA.

Extensive trials

“In recent years, Biobest has explored the use of Asperello in many crops worldwide,” explains Henry Murillo – Technical & Development Manager in North America. “We’ve conducted extensive trials investigating its performance at a global, as well as local, level. Universities, Extensionists and consultants have also independently included Asperello in their own trials, with remarkable results.

Milestone
Sarah van Beneden – Global Business Development Manager for Biopesticides – says; “Biobest’s focus is on bringing reliable products to market to provide solutions to the key issues faced by growers worldwide. As part of this, we are looking to expand our Biopesticide and Biorational portfolio. This new label expansion for Asperello in the US market marks another milestone along that path.”

This label expansion came about through a collaboration between the local team – led by John Hren Director of Sales for U.S. & Canada working with Cindy Callens – Global Product Manager Biopesticides, the biopesticides registration team led by Catherine Dickburt and the supplier Biocontrol Technologies.

* For a full list of approved crops and diseases, visit the Biobest website to download the new label – or contact a Biobest consultant for further details.