AgroPages-Eden Research fungicide Mevalone granted 'emergency use' authorisation in France-Agricultural news

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Eden Research PLC's fungicide, Mevalone (previously referred to as "3AEY"), has been granted 120-day "emergency use" authorisation in France for the treatment of storage diseases on apples.

Mevalone is a terpene-based fungicide that targets Botrytis, a widespread fungal disease that causes grey mould on many fruits and vegetables leading to the rapid loss of commercially valuable crops.

The biopesticide supplier’s commercial partner, Sumi Agro, has been selling Mevalone in France since receiving approval for the sale and use of the product for the treatment of botrytis on table and wine grapes in January 2017.

Eden said the emergency use approval respresents the first authorisation for the use of Mevalone on apples and for the treatment of post-harvest storage diseases.

Emergency authorisations are granted in the European Union to meet the requirements of growers in the absence of suitable commercially-available alternatives.

Sumi Agro will sell Mevalone to apple producers, which will apply the fungiside just before harvest.

France is one of the top 10 producers of apples globally and is the third largest producer in Europe.

Sean Smith, chief executive of Eden, said: "This is excellent news supporting the further growth of Mevalone sales as it represents a major new use on an important crop for the treatment of diseases that affect the shelf life of apples.

“Extending the shelf life of any produce is an impactful way of helping to reduce food chain costs and food waste.

"Whist this derogation is valid until the 21st of November 2019, it is a useful illustration of the importance placed by the authorities on the introduction of new, sustainable crop protection products that meet consumer demand for safe foods that are free from pesticide residues.”

Smith said the company is working actively with Sumi Agro to gain full authorisation of Mevalone for use in the treatment of pome fruit storage disease.