Biofungicide helps control diseases like Botrytis and powdery mildew in fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, tomatoes and bell peppers
Agtech group Biotalys has announced that its biofungicide Evoca has achieved state registration in Florida.
This marks the first approval of an Agrobody biocontrol by a US state, Biotalys confirmed, which it called a ”significant milestone for the company and the broader biocontrol sector”.
The Florida Department of Agriculture accepted Evoca with the broad label previously approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This state recognition ”confirms the product’s robust regulatory profile”, the company noted, and its potential to support sustainable agriculture in the region – in particular in controlling the key fungal diseases Botrytis and powdery mildew in fruits and vegetables.
“We are proud to see Evoca obtain state registration in Florida, as it sets the stage for the future of our protein-based biocontrol solutions,” said Carlo Boutton, interim CEO of Biotalys.
”Florida is the second largest US state for the production of key fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, tomatoes and bell peppers that face significant challenges from diseases like Botrytis and powdery mildew.
”The first state-level approval for our novel biocontrol underscores our commitment to providing innovative tools to growers locally and validates our technology for continued product developments,” he noted.
”We look forward to advancing sustainable crop protection and supporting growers with science-driven solutions that meet market demands both in terms of efficacy and sustainability.”
In California, the largest agricultural state in the US, the Department of Pesticide Regulation is progressing its review of Evoca and its Human Health Assessment Branch has now accepted the EPA-approved label.
The next administrative steps are in process, and approval is currently projected for the second half of 2026.
Regulatory review of Evoca in the European Union is also advancing with the two-month public consultation phase expected to be initiated this week.
Both the European Food Safety Authority and the Dutch Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products will then review comments after which the dossier is expected to proceed to the decision phase.
