Koppert is launching a new generation of biocides called Mycotal that will enhance its effectiveness and extend its shelf life

 Koppert’s professional research team has continuously optimized its microbial product line and production process, enhanced the effectiveness of the biocide Mycotal, and extended the shelf life of products to ensure that growers benefit from the best quality and performance biological plant protection solutions.

 Mycotal is an entomopathogenic fungus used as a natural solution for a range of pests in vegetables, ornamentals, seedlings and fruits. The biocide contains spores of (Lecanicillium muscarium) Ve6. These spores germinate rapidly after spraying, and the mycelium penetrates the insect's body cavity. Once inside the insect, it multiplies and destroys tissue.

  Mycotal is safe, convenient, and can be used with existing spraying equipment without any harmful residues, helping growers meet the safety requirements of the agricultural supply chain.

Optimizing Mycotal will involve checking the quality of Mycotal spores throughout the production process, finding the ideal environment for some downstream processes, and scaling up production. During the research and development phase, a series of operations and more standardized production processes were adjusted after dozens of detailed measurements and inspections, and special attention was paid to temperature fluctuations during fermentation and concentration.

 Improvements in the production process have increased the efficacy of Mycotal and extended its shelf life. Guido Roozemond, Koppert product manager, said: "With improved production, Mycotal has clearly performed better on crops in different countries. We are setting new targets and extending the shelf life on the label."

Field comparison tests have confirmed that the new generation Mycotal has similar or better efficacy than other chemical or biological plant protection products on the market. "Koppert has explored new potential targets for Mycotal in the lab and in the field, which has great potential for combating other pests," Roozemond says. We hope to find more target pests and suitable crops that Mycotal can fight in the next few years."

Koppert is committed to 100% sustainable agriculture. To achieve this, the company works closely with growers around the world. The new generation Mycotal is now available in all countries/territories where the product is registered.