Marrone Bio Innovations’ Regalia biofungicide labeled for additional uses

After approved by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation for use in the state (Agronews 2010-1-13), Marrone Bio Innovations (MBI) announces that the U.S. EPA has registered Regalia® biofungicide for many additional uses and updated aerial application instructions.
Additional uses include Black Spot and Alternaria Brown Spot on citrus, Phytophthora Blight on cucurbits, Alternaria Fruit Rot and Anthracnose Fruit Rot in berry crops, and many others.

Black Spot (Guignardia citricarpa) has recently been discovered in Florida citrus groves. Common in other citrus producing regions around the world, Florida has no previous history of the pathogen, and growers badly need tools to combat this disease. Other Black Spot control products include strobilurins and copper fungicides, but there is known resistance to strobilurins, and copper provides limited control when used alone. Regalia has been proven to be effective against Guignardia, and is one of the few tools registered for Black Spot in Florida.

For growers of berry crops including blueberry and strawberry, Regalia is now registered for Alternaria Fruit Rot (Alternaria spp.) and Anthracnose Fruit Rot (Colletotrichum acutatum). Used alone or in programs, Regalia has been shown to control fruit rots, and improve fruit quality and quantity at pack-out.

Regalia is also registered for use on Phytophthora Blight (Phytophthora capsici) in cucurbits including cucumber, watermelon, cantaloupe, pumpkin and squash. “New university research trials prove that Regalia programs suppress Phytophthora Blight, and significantly improve plant vigor and yield in cucurbits,” states Dr. Tim Johnson, Product Development Manager.

The new Regalia label also features updated aerial application instructions for all edible crops including leafy greens, processing tomatoes and citrus crops. The updated aerial application instructions are also fully available to PCAs and crop consultants through Agrian.

When treated with Regalia, the defense systems of crops are ‘switched on’ to protect against attacking diseases. Research shows that plants treated with Regalia produce and accumulate elevated levels of specialized proteins and other compounds known to inhibit fungal and bacterial diseases. A complete list of crops and diseases may be found on the product label. Visit www.marronebio.com/regalia for more information.


About Marrone Bio Innovations®

Marrone Bio Innovations (MBI) discovers, develops and markets effective and environmentally responsible products that fill unmet needs for weed, plant disease, and invasive pest management. Through a combination of in-licensed technology and its own R&D, MBI uses plants and naturally occurring microorganisms from unique habitats to develop better and safer pest management products. The company has an impressive pipeline of products, including two insecticides, two herbicides, and Zequanox™ for controlling invasive zebra and quagga mussels in waterways (EPA pending). MBI currently markets GreenMatch® burndown herbicide for weed control in organic crop production, and Regalia® for control of fungal and bacterial diseases of both food and ornamental crops in conventional and organic agriculture. For more information, visit www.marronebioinnovations.com.