Apr 29, 2019

Certis Introduces AgriPhage-Fire Blight to fight resistance for apples, pears

OmniLytics Inc. in coordination with Columbia, Missouri-based Certis USA has introduced a new tool in the fight against fire blight (Erwinia amylovara), releasing AgriPhage-Fire Blight for targeted use on apple and pear crops in Washington, New York, Pennsylvania and Michigan during the 2019 growing season.

Already proven in the control of tomato canker, as well as bacterial spot and speck on tomato and pepper crops, AgriPhage utilizes bacteriophages, known as “bacteria eaters” which are naturally occurring organisms that infect and kill only targeted bacteria. AgriPhage-Fire Blight is the only bacteriophage product approved for use against fire blight and its introduction expands the product line’s reach to address the rising threat of fire blight in pome fruits.

“Equally alarming to the spread of fire blight in apple and pear orchards is the increasing resistance of the disease to antibiotics and other conventional controls,” said Mike Allan, Certis vice-president, North America.

“In partnership with OmniLytics, Inc., Certis has been appointed the exclusive distributor of Agriphage Fire Blight in the USA. OmniLytics received EPA approval of AgriPhage-Fire Blight in late 2018, and is today the world’s leading provider of agricultural bacteriophage products. Certis is proud to make this product available to growers in support of their efforts for successful disease control in this growing season.”

Because bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics, and other bactericides remain susceptible to bacteriophage infection, Certis believes AgriPhage is a key element in unlocking answers for growers who are experiencing fire blight infection in the face of traditional antibiotic treatments.

NOP-approved for use in organic agriculture, AgriPhage presents extremely low risk to users, beneficial species and the environment because of the precision with which it targets only host bacteria. The entire line of AgriPhage products available from Certis USA are exempt from residue tolerance and Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and have only a 4-hour re-entry interval (REI) for farm workers.

AgriPhage-Fire Blight is a strong fit within an integrated pest management program applied alone or in combination with approved tank-mix partners for maximum fire blight control.

“OmniLytics Inc. is proud to partner with Certis USA to provide an important tool against the economic devastation to U.S. apple and pear growers caused by fire blight. Our organic AgriPhage-Fire Blight product provides a safe, effective, and natural solution to an increasingly challenging disease,” said Ryan Benson, director of sales and business development.

Growers who are interested in integrating AgriPhage-Fire Blight into their treatment schedules for 2019 are encouraged to reach out to their Certis sales representative. Growers new to the Certis family of brands should visit http://www.CertisUSA.com to inquire about AgriPhage-Fire Blight and other biopesticide treatment options.