Bee Vectoring Technologies International Inc. has reported positive second-year trial results for its proprietary biological control agent Clonostachys rosea strain CR-7 (CR-7) on soybeans. The trials showed that adding CR-7 over the base seed treatment led to higher yields in soybean plants, as measured over 16 replicated plots across four locations. Furthermore, the results showed that CR-7 was equivalent to the chemical standard in effectiveness and even better than the biological standard. Additionally, the plant health, vigor, and biomass measures showed the same positive outcomes as in the first year, indicating the scalability of BVT’s proprietary CR-7 in the soybean seed treatment market.
BVT’s corporate market strategy initially focuses on soybeans. It is a significant row crop, with 320 million acres grown globally, 86 million in the US, 98 million in Brazil, and 40 million in Argentina. According to BVT, 80% of American soybeans receive seed treatment before planting, and approximately 50% undergo a biological inoculant treatment. The specialized seed treatment market has different and distinct channels in the major growing regions. BVT’s CR-7 is effective against Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS), a significant problem caused by Fusarium virguliforme, a soil-borne pathogen that attacks soybean roots and lower stems, affecting flowers and young pods and results in significant yield loss. Second-year trial results also confirmed that adding CR-7 over base seed treatment led to plants being healthier in the vegetative stage when leaves, stems, and roots are growing to support the flowering and reproductive stages.
The results of BVT’s trials are significant as soybeans are a major crop worldwide, and BVT’s CR-7 can potentially improve yields and plant health while reducing the use of chemicals. BVT is expected first to target the North American soybean market, followed by the South American and European markets. The company is also planning to expand the use of CR-7 to other crops, including strawberries, blueberries, and almonds. By improving crop yields and plant health while reducing chemical use, Bee Vectoring Technologies’ technology has the potential to make agriculture more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Image provided by BVT. Soybean plants with base seed treatment (left) compared to plants grown with CR-7 added to the base seed treatment (center and right).
You must log in to post a comment.