Canada: A&L Biological moves first commercial products into registration phase

- Cuc-Guard™ now submitted for control of Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV)

- Bio-Stimulant ‘AL-BIO 7’ submitted for management of transplant stress

A&L Biological Inc., a subsidiary of A&L Canada Laboratories Inc., announced their first two products have now moved into the registration phase of development for the Canadian agricultural market. A&L Biological has an established R&D platform for the discovery and development for bio-control and bio-stimulant technologies for practical, sustainable solutions to the agricultural industry. Submission of these first products for regulatory approval means producers will soon have new solutions to tackle difficult production issues.

Cuc-Guard™ has demonstrated efficacy in both small plot and large-scale greenhouse trials for control of Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV). This virus is very difficult to control and can have devastating impact to cucurbits crops. Cuc-Guard acts as a “vaccine” for target crops to prevent the infection and spread of the pathogen. Efficacy data indicates that when applied preventatively, Cuc-Guard™ provides control of the pathogen and improves both crop quality and yield. Registration for Cuc-Guard™ has been submitted to the Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) for review and approval. Cuc-Guard™ is the first of several plant vaccine solutions to be developed from the unique discovery platform at A&L Biological.

Similarly, the bio-stimulant ‘AL-BIO 7’ has shown in development trials significant improvement in plant vigour, root development and biomass for plants in a transplant setting.  Transplant stress can have a damaging effect on the early establishment of high value specialty crops such as tomatoes and cannabis. AL-BIO 7 has demonstrated the ability to overcome this “shock” event and provide for improved crop establishment. AL-BIO 7 has been submitted to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for review and approval.

“We have been working hard towards commercialization of these new technologies and are excited to be introducing our first products to market in Canada within the next 12 - 24 months,” said Nevin McDougall, President and Chief Commercial Officer for A&L Canada Laboratories. “Our next steps will be following through with international registrations and launches.”

Rob Field recently joined A&L Biological Inc. as Business Development Manager. Rob will provide leadership to the company in its transformation from a “boutique” research house to a fully commercial company.