Marrone Bio Innovations (MBI), based in the US, recently announced the launch and availability of a high-performance and cost-effective biological fungicide, Amplitude™, in the 2018 growing season. Amplitude is based on a new strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, discovered by MBI, that has shown strong performance against white molds and soil diseases such as Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia (pink rot and black scurf of potatoes), and Fusarium, as shown in field trials in the US, Canada and Europe. “The development of this product is particularly timely in light of the development of resistance to conventional fungicide products. Amplitude can be used alone, but can also be combined with a conventional fungicide for a great ROI,” said André Trépanier, MBI’s Director of Marketing. Testing for soil applications on potatoes for control of Rhizoctonia (Black scurf) and Phytophthora eurythroseptica (pink rot) have delivered excellent results, the company says in a press release. Successful field trials have been conducted in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Europe.
Tests conducted at MBI’s research and development lab show that AmplitudeTM works by colonizing a plant’s root hairs, stems and other surfaces to prevent establishment of fungal and bacterial pathogens, including Fusarium, Sclerotinia, Rhizoctonia, Verticillium, Phytophthora and Sclerotium. Test results also indicated that the bacterium produces natural compounds, some of which inhibit bacterial and fungal mycelial growth, as well as spore germination. In addition, the bacteria trigger systemic acquired resistance and induced systemic responses in the plant, creating a healthier and stronger plant to ward off diseases and promote plant health, growth and increased yield.
MBI has been issued a patent on the novel strain used in AmplitudeTM. The biofungicide product has also been submitted to Canada and Mexico for approval and the dossier is being prepared for the European Union.
