MustGrow Biologics and NexusBioAg announce collaborative field trials program in Canada

Date:04-30-2021

MustGrow Biologics Corp.  ("MustGrow") and Univar Canada Ltd.'s NexusBioAg ("NexusBioAg"), a division of Univar Solutions Inc., announce a collaborative field trial program in Canada (the "Field Trials"). NexusBioAg will conduct the Field Trials of MustGrow's mustard-derived biopesticide, TerraMG, (the "Product", or "Products") for treatment of Clubroot and Aphanomyces diseases in Canola and Pulse Crops, respectively.

MustGrow's remarkably safe and effective organic biopesticide is plant-based - harnessing the mustard seed's natural defense mechanism to control diseases, insect pests, and weeds.

Utilizing its vast technical and commercial expertise, NexusBioAg will be responsible for conducting the Field Trials. MustGrow will supply NexusBioAg with the Products for testing along with scientific support.

"We are very excited to partner with an organization like NexusBioAg. Their expertise in both the technical and commercial areas will be advantageous in accelerating the development and potential commercialization of TerraMG for use in Canada on canola and pulse crops. The NexusBioAg team has tremendous knowledge of Canadian agriculture as well as sustainable farming solutions," MustGrow COO Colin Bletsky remarked.

Daniel Samphir, NexusBioAg Marketing Manager added, "MustGrow's R&D team has developed a sustainable farming solution to address the agronomic challenges of treating Clubroot and Aphanomyces. We are excited to add TerraMG to our field trial program to further demonstrate that TerraMG is complementary to the NexusBioAg portfolio."

Clubroot Disease: Canola

In August 2020, MustGrow reported control of Clubroot in greenhouse soil; of particular note: 96.1% disease control at 0.5 gal/acre application rate; and 98.5% disease control at 10 gal/acre application rate.

Clubroot is a rapidly-spreading disease pathogen destroying canola, one of Canada's more profitable crops with over 20 million acres grown each year and contributing C$30 billion in economic activity in Canada ⁽¹⁾. Industry experts conservatively estimate C$500 million in annual canola crop losses in Canada caused by Clubroot ⁽²⁾. Current measures cannot eradicate Clubroot completely - they are only intended to slow down the spread and reduce the incidence and severity of the disease. Some field infections may lead to 100% crop loss.

Aphanomyces Disease: Pulse Crops

In January 2021, MustGrow reported 100% control of Aphanomyces in laboratory tests at economic application rates within 24 hours.

Aphanomyces is a water mould pathogen responsible for root-rot disease, infecting a variety of peas, lentils and other legumes collectively referred to as pulse crops. The disease causes severe root damage and wilting, with yield losses ranging from 10% to 100% in infected fields ⁽²⁾. Canada is one of the world's largest producers (~9.2 million tons; 2019) and exporters of pulse crops ⁽³⁾. Industry experts conservatively estimate $20 million in annual pulse crop losses in Canada and $100 million globally caused by Aphanomyces ⁽²⁾. Current treatment measures cannot control Aphanomyces - they are only able to slow down the spread and reduce the incidence and severity of the disease.

The global plant-based protein market size is projected to grow from US$12 billion in 2019 to US$28 billion by 2025 (CAGR of 15%) ⁽⁴⁾. This is attributed to several drivers, predominantly rising consumer health-consciousness, growing prevalence of protein-rich pulse crop food products, and technological innovations in plant-based protein extraction. To accommodate the rise of plant-based protein demand, the global pulse crops market is anticipated to grow from US$16.2 billion in 2017 to US$24.3 billion by 2025 (CAGR of 5.2%) ⁽⁵⁾.

Sources:

Canola Council of Canada

3rd party market research, MustGrow estimates

imarcgroup.com

MarketsandMarkets with analysis by EY-Parthenon

Fior Markets