Innovotech's novel seed treatment

The Canadian biotechnology company, Innovotech (Edmonton, Alberta), has applied for US and Canadian approval for a silver-based seed treatment, Agress, for the control of fungal and bacterial diseases on soybeans and other legumes. Diseases controlled include anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp), Pseudomonas spp and Xanthomonas spp.

 

Innovotech describes Agress as a "breakthrough" seed treatment as it is the "only product effective against fungal and bacterial crop diseases". Moreover, it has "an outstanding safety profile and is cost-competitive with current products", says Innovotech chief executive officer Wolfgang Muhs. Agress is said to be as effective as streptomycin at much lower concentrations.

 

Initial research results indicate that Agress is effective against diseases on other high-value crops and Innovotech is pursuing these opportunities. The company is unable to forecast when registrations are likely to be granted.