At its technical centre in Wellesbourne Centre, Fargro formally introduced two new biological crop-protection products, reflecting the rapid shift within horticulture toward more sustainable pest and disease management strategies.
The first product, Met52, is a granular bioinsecticide developed by Novozymes. It is based on a naturally occurring strain of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. This beneficial soil-dwelling microorganism infects and kills a range of insect pests, most notably Vine Weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus), one of the most destructive pests affecting ornamental and soft fruit crops across the UK and Europe.
Vine Weevil larvae feed on plant roots, often causing severe damage or plant death before symptoms become visible above ground. Traditional chemical controls have become increasingly restricted, making biological alternatives essential for growers. Met52 works by introducing viable fungal spores into the growing media or soil. When larvae come into contact with the spores, the fungus germinates, penetrates the insect’s outer cuticle, and proliferates internally, ultimately killing the pest. Because the fungus is naturally occurring and specifically targets insects, it poses minimal risk to beneficial organisms, pollinators, or operators when used correctly.
Met52 is approved for use in both protected and outdoor production systems, including soft fruit and ornamental crops. It can be applied to container-grown plants as well as open-ground situations, making it particularly versatile for nurseries and commercial growers. Its granular formulation allows for easy incorporation into growing media or surface application, supporting integration into existing production systems. As part of an integrated pest management (IPM) programme, Met52 provides growers with a reliable, residue-free solution that aligns with modern sustainability standards.
The second product launched at Wellesbourne was Prestop, a biological fungicide developed by Verdera. Prestop is based on the naturally occurring fungus Gliocladium catenulatum (strain J1446), which acts as an antagonist to a range of plant-pathogenic fungi. Rather than directly attacking plant tissue, it colonises the root zone or plant surface and competes with harmful pathogens for space and nutrients. It also produces enzymes that degrade pathogenic fungal structures, helping suppress disease development.
Prestop is used to control grey mould (Botrytis cinerea), stem blight, damping off, and root diseases caused by pathogens including Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. These diseases present persistent challenges in both protected cropping and nursery production, particularly under humid or intensive growing conditions. By establishing beneficial microbial populations around the root system or on foliage, Prestop enhances plant resilience while reducing reliance on conventional fungicides.
One of the major advantages of biological fungicides such as Prestop is their compatibility with IPM systems and many beneficial insects. They also offer flexibility in resistance management programmes, as their modes of action differ significantly from conventional synthetic chemistry. This is increasingly important as resistance pressures grow and the availability of traditional fungicides continues to decline.
The introduction of Met52 and Prestop reflects a broader transition within European horticulture. Under evolving EU legislation, numerous conventional chemical pesticides have been withdrawn or face tighter regulatory scrutiny due to environmental and human health concerns. As active ingredients are phased out, growers are actively seeking effective alternatives that meet regulatory standards while maintaining crop quality and yield.
Biopesticides are therefore expected to play an increasingly central role in crop protection strategies. Derived from natural organisms or substances, they typically offer lower environmental persistence, reduced residue concerns, and improved compatibility with sustainable production systems. While they often require careful timing and environmental management to achieve optimum performance, their integration into commercial horticulture represents a significant step toward more resilient and environmentally responsible growing practices.
Through the launch of Met52 and Prestop at the Wellesbourne Centre, Fargro has reinforced its commitment to supporting growers with practical biological solutions that address modern regulatory, environmental, and market demands.
Barry Holdsworth’s consultancy is operating throughout the South of England – Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, London, Kent, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Wiltshire, across the UK and internationally.