New Biofungicide Gets Green Light for Specialty Crops in California

Posted by Growing Produce Staff|March 23, 2023

AgBiome, Inc., a leader in global microbial innovation, announced that Theia fungicide has now been approved by state regulators in California for use on specialty crops. Theia fungicide is the second proprietary solution from AgBiome approved in the state that provides robust, broad-spectrum protection against a variety of soilborne and foliar diseases in high-value fruits and vegetables.

“California growers continue to look for effective and sustainable solutions that protect their crops from detrimental diseases,” says Adam Burnhams, AgBiome Chief Commercial Officer. “Theia fungicide’s approval in California gives growers a new tool that offers excellent control of a variety of diseases such as powdery mildew and fusarium.”

The product protects crops through multiple modes of action by blocking fungal and bacterial pathogens and activating crops’ natural defenses. The biofungicide contains the active ingredient Bacillus subtilis strain AFS032321. It received EPA approval in June 2022 and is registered in 49 states.

Theia follows Howler fungicide, AgBiome’s first biofungicide registered for use across the U.S.

“Our goal has always been to create effective crop protection products,” adds Dr. Brooke Bissinger, Product Manager for AgBiome. “We are excited to have Theia fungicide available to support growers in California as they deliver high-quality fruits and vegetables across the world.”