Koppert advances biological fungicide for powdery mildew control toward market approval

Koppert has introduced a new biological fungicide, KC2404, which is expected to receive regulatory approval in the third quarter. The product was presented to growers and advisors during Crop Health Days at the World Horti Center in Naaldwijk, Netherlands, providing an early preview of a solution for controlling powdery mildew and other fungal diseases in multiple crops.

The fungicide is formulated from a lysate of Willaertia, a single-celled amoeba found in thermal waters near Lake Annecy, France. Produced in bioreactors under controlled conditions, the lysate contains bioactive compounds that inhibit fungal spore germination and activate plant defense mechanisms. According to the company, the product has shown broad-spectrum activity against pathogens such as powdery mildew, rust fungi, Cladosporium leaf spots, and oomycetes, including Phytophthora and downy mildew.

Trial data from 2024 cucumber tests under high disease pressure showed infection levels of about 12% in KC2404-treated plants, compared to over 20% for a biological reference and more than 40% in untreated controls. Efficacy improved further when combined with an adjuvant, approaching that of chemical standards. The product also offers operational benefits, such as no maximum residue limits and no required re-entry or safety intervals. Certification for organic use is in progress.

Initial registration applications include cucumber, tomato, and eggplant, targeting powdery mildew and Phytophthora. Koppert plans to expand approvals to additional crops and regions, with application frequencies projected at up to 10 treatments per cycle in cucumber and up to 12 annually in other crops, including ornamentals and strawberries.