DPH Biologicals to Develop First Fungal Chitosan Seed Treatment for U.S. Growers

By DPH Biologicals|June 29, 2024

To give growers more effective biocontrol options, DPH Biologicals has announced a licensing agreement with KitoZyme, a Belgium-based manufacturer of pharmaceutical-grade fungal chitosan, to develop the first sustainably-sourced chitosan seed treatment technology for U.S. growers. ChitoNox FC provides wide-ranging seedling protection, particularly effective against nematodes and soil-borne diseases.

“The pressure to maximize yield per acre is mounting due to extreme weather and rising pathogen pressure, compounded by the demand for more sustainable inputs,” said Alex Cochran, chief technology officer for DPH Bio. “We’re pleased to work with KitoZyme to offer U.S. growers a sustainable biocontrol and biostimulant in one solution.”

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Sustainably sourced from fungal biomass rather than traditional crustacean-derived chitosan, ChitoNox FC is based on KitoZyme’s EPA-registered biopesticide KitoGreen technology. This renewable, non-GMO chitosan source, aka Aspergillus niger, outperforms traditional crustacean-produced chitosan products.

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“We are very pleased to enter the U.S. market through DPH Bio, a leader in developing and scaling science-based biological technologies. It reinforces the value of our fungal chitosan as a plant-based alternative for commercial growers and is a clear signal that our approach to sustainable agriculture is on the right track,” said François Blondel, Chief Executive Officer of KitoZyme.

ChitoNox FC delivers three modes of action against disease:

  • An antimicrobial effect, directly attacking pathogens.
  • Stimulation of plants natural defense systems, enhancing their ability to resist disease and abiotic stress.
  • Formation of a protective film around seeds and roots, acting as a barrier to infection.

Additionally, ChitoNox FC’s strong positive charge absorbs nutrients, enhancing root development and plant growth crucial for crop stress resilience. Safe for use as a seed treatment with no impact on germination, ChitoNox FC is compatible with inoculants and synthetic seed treatments, and even helps reduce resistance.

ChitoNox FC will be commercially available for the 2025 crop season.

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DPH Biologicals aims to be the industry’s most trusted biologicals provider. We attract, develop and scale technologies improving broad market access and simplifying the grower experience with biologicals. With more than three decades invested into scientific research, field-testing, partner relationships and product development, we’ve built three proven product platforms – BellaTrove for biocontrols; TerraTrove for biofertility and biodigesters; and RegenAphex, a regenerative, plant-based humus extract that serves as a foundation for our flagship biofertilizer SP-1 Classic and a platform for third-party technological development. See all author stories here.

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