Marrone Bio Innovations’ MBI-110 and Haven approved for sale in Canada

Marrone Bio Innovations Inc. (MBI) announced that two of its products have been approved for sale in Canada by the appropriate government agencies. MBI-110 Biofungicide, (marketed in the U.S. as Stargus for specialty crops) was approved by the Pest Management Regulatory Authority (PMRA). Haven Sunprotectant was approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
 

According to Phillips McDougall, the Canadian pesticide market totaled $1.7 billion in 2016 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.3% to $1.9 billion in 2021. While market figures for the $2-3 billion global biostimulant market do not break out Canada, growth of biostimulants in Canada, which includes products like Haven, in Canada follows the growth trends of the rest of the world at a 10-12% CAGR.
 

The active ingredient in Stargus is a new strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, a bacterium isolated by MBI scientists from a soil sample in northern California. While this type of Bacillus is common in soil, and other biological products contain the same species, MBI's discovery is unique in its high performance on downy mildews, white molds, Fusarium and Botrytis gray mold, which are particularly difficult to control with both biologicals and chemicals.
 

The bacteria in Stargus work by colonizing plant root hairs, leaves and other plant surfaces, thereby preventing establishment of fungal and bacterial pathogens. The Stargus bacteria also produce natural compounds that inhibit bacterial and fungal growth and spore germination.
 

Further, the bacteria trigger immune responses in the plant to ward off diseases and increase growth and yield, creating a healthier and stronger plant. In Canada, the approved label for Stargus is for the control or suppression of various diseases on cucurbits, legume vegetables, potatoes, grapevines, canola and sunflowers. MBI holds two U.S. patents on the novel strain in the biofungicide product.
 

The active ingredient in Haven is an extract derived from coconut. Use of Haven helps treated plants maintain lower leaf temperatures and reduces heat stress on the crops, resulting in higher yields and quality. When two-to-four applications are sprayed on crops - generally starting at bloom, shortly after bloom, or at early fruit/nut set - In commercial usage, grower demos and third-party trials, Haven has shown to reduce sun damage and increase yields and quality for certain apple varieties, almonds, walnuts, soft berries, citrus, grapes and tomatoes.
 

Haven also has increased yields of corn, wheat and turf grass. The Canadian label is approved for tree crops such as apples pears, cherries, plums and peaches, nuts including filberts and walnuts, fruiting vegetables such as tomato and pepper. One of the most promising uses for Haven in Canada is apples, because Haven helps to reduce bitter pit, which causes dark, ugly spots.
 

Both products will be available in Canada in time for the growing season through selected distributors.