New Biosolutions for the Greenhouse Industry for 2023
March 20, 2023 
Photo: Groundwork BioAg
This is an exciting time for the biosolutions industry. What was once a novel concept is becoming a more common practice in greenhouses. As seen at the recent BioSolutions Conference and Expo in Reno, NV, biosolutions are gaining traction fast.
Many new products are coming to the market, and there are updates in labeling for current products. Greenhouse Grower reached out to suppliers to hear more about their new products and labeling updates.
BioWorks (Dr. Michael Brownbridge, Biological Program Manager, Disease Control Management)
BioWorks is launching a new formulation of its popular product, BotryStop. BotryStop WP became available on Jan. 10.
BotryStop WP allows growers to bring a new mode of action (MOA) into its botrytis management programs. Reformulated so it can be stored at room temperature and is easier to prepare and apply, this biofungicide will suppress botrytis on indoor and outdoor crops and can be used in organic and conventional production. The new formulation label has also been expanded to include bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas sp.), and wording allows use on a broader range of crops. With proven efficacy against botrytis on ornamental, nursery, food, and medicinal crops, BotryStop WP is a valuable tool and rotational partner for resistance management.
Labeling updates:
- U.S.:
- BotryStop WP registration (Not registered in California)
- MilStop – Addition of Flowering Plants
- Canada:
- MilStop: on Nov. 22, addition of greenhouse use to the cucurbits crop group and expanded uses in the herbs and spices group
- SuffOil-X: in July, addition of greenhouse use on strawberries and expanded uses in two crop groups, root and tuber vegetables, and herbs and spices
- RootShield HC: in January 2022, addition of bushberries to the label and expanded uses in the herbs and spices group
- RootShield Plus WP: in April 2022, addition of the expanded herbs and spices crop group
DPH Biologicals (Alex Cochran, Chief Technology Officer)
In response to the growing demand for more targeted biological solutions in greenhouse production, DPH Biologicals is currently working on licensing new technologies specifically supporting greenhouse and nursery production with hopes of a 2023 product roll-out.
AgBiome (Kelly Liberator, Director of Technical Service)
AgBiome gained federal registration for two new products in 2022 that are both approved for greenhouse use — Theia and Esendo fungicides. The company saw its first sales of Theia fungicide in 2022 and plans to launch Esendo fungicide early in 2023. Esendo fungicide is part of itsproprietary Connate portfolio that combines its own Howler fungicide with azoxystrobin. This combination delivers a highly efficacious, mixed mode of action product to control key diseases while fighting resistance development.
Locus (Rodrigo Bermudez, Director of the West and LATAM regions)
This year, Locus expanded both the Pantego and Rhizolizer families of biologicals. As a whole, it is moving towards extensive lines of crop-specific solutions. There will be some new biological launches coming in 2023 targeting fruit, produce, and other specialty crops. These biologicals will be tailored to address specific growing challenges.
Groundwork BioAg (Dr. Yossi Kofman, Co-founder and CEO)
While Groundwork BioAg expects to see new product releases across the biologicals sector that offer improved yield enhancement and biopesticide benefits, only “the Queen of Biologicals” – mycorrhiza – can enable the broad plant and soil health growers want. Rootella mycorrhizal inoculants are ideal for greenhouses, as the product formulation enhances the inoculant’s robustness, vigor, and efficacy within growing media. In 2023, Groundwork BioAg will introduce a new line of products that combine mycorrhiza and MHB (mycorrhizal helping bacteria) for compounded grower benefits.
Beneficial Insectary (Cody Seals, U.S. Product Manager)
In 2023, Beneficial Insectary will be increasing its domestic production of BCAs (biocontrol agents). This change should prove to increase overall availability for predatory mites reducing transit time between production and end-user.
Another product the company will introduce is Evoca, a new biofungicide focused on botrytis in various outdoor crops such as grapes and stubborn powdery mildew in greenhouse environments. Evoca was recently awarded its own unique FRAC group and will be available beginning in 2023.
Packaging Update from Beneficial Insectary:
From working with crop producers to reduce synthetic pesticide applications across many facets of agriculture, to parasitoid wasps that reduce nuisance fly populations without the use of chemicals, Beneficial Insectary is no stranger to being environmentally friendly. With its new eco-friendly packaging, Beneficial Insectary is going a step further by ensuring that materials used in delivering products to customers’ doors are as sustainable as possible.
Certis Biologicals (Jim Black, Business Director)
In 2022, Certis Biologicals was able to bring proven and trusted greenhouse bioinsecticides standards BotaniGard and Mycotrol back into the Certis portfolio and distribute them to growers through its network of distribution in the North American markets. This move brings growers one step closer to the innovator and manufacturer of these solutions, streamlining the supply chain and improving availability.
To support this move, Certis built out an experienced team of greenhouse experts to bring its grower and distributor partners the information and education they need to succeed in integrating these products, and others, into controlled-environment programs.
In 2023, the company is looking forward to bringing its entire greenhouse portfolio of products more seamlessly into the market so that growers can utilize their power to protect their crops from the pests and disease that threaten them.
Subscribe to eNewsletter
