DCM, SIGNS, Koppert and Biobest bag Bernard Blum Awards at ABIM 2023

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The International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) recently announced the winners of their annual Bernard Blum Award on October 23. In all 4 products were recognised as Innovative Biocontrol Product and Best Product Assisting Uptake of Biocontrol. The winners of the award were:

Innovative Biocontrol Product

Gold: PEA-02 by DCM

PEA-02 is an innovative and sustainable biocontrol product by DCM designed to combat fire blight, a bacterial plant disease affecting apple and pear trees. DCM PEA-02® utilizes bacteriophages, natural viruses that specifically target the disease-causing bacterium Erwinia amylovora . This groundbreaking product, currently undergoing European registration, is set to be the first biocontrol product of its kind approved for use in European horticulture. DCM is committed to providing high-quality, environmentally friendly solutions to both hobby gardeners and professional horticulturists. It offers organic and organic-mineral fertilizers, potting soils, soil enhancers, cover materials, grass seeds, and natural solutions for plant disease prevention and treatment. DCM has its presence in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria, and distribution partnerships worldwide.

Silver: NoReds by SIGNS Labs

NoReds® is a unique, patented biocontrol solution with proven effectiveness in controlling Poultry Red Mites by Signs. With the research conducted by IRSEA and patent filings, SIGNS has emerged as a company specializing in synthetic pheromone-based products that replicate the beneficial effects of nature on both animals and humans. SIGNS offers a range of such products for livestock, including pigs, cattle, poultry, and rabbits, with additional offerings for horses and a forthcoming product designed for humans.

Bronze: Nezapar by Koppert

Nezapar is an effective solution for controlling the Southern green stink bug ( Nezara viridula ) by Koppert. This product utilizes adult female parasitic wasps of Trissolcus basalis, which lay their eggs inside the host stink bug eggs. Nezapar is a reliable tool for managing this pest. Koppert is a pioneer in sustainable agriculture with the mission to make the world a more sustainable place by working in harmony with nature to combat agricultural challenges. They offer natural solutions such as using beneficial organisms to combat pests, employing bumblebees for pollination, and providing microbials and biostimulants to enhance plant health.

Best Product Assisting Uptake of Biocontrol

1.Biobest with Trap-Eye

Trap-Eye is a cutting-edge agricultural solution that revolutionizes pest monitoring and scouting by Biobest. By automatically capturing images of sticky traps, it accurately identifies and counts the insects on them, offering invaluable insights into insect population trends and making it a more efficient choice for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. Trap-Eye provides real-time information on various pests and beneficial insects, aiding in the timely implementation of control measures. Biobest is a BioAg company with a clear mission: to play a vital role in enhancing global sustainable high-value crop production through its expertise in biological crop protection and pollination. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation has made them a trusted partner in the field.

Trap-Eye is a cutting-edge agricultural solution that revolutionizes pest monitoring and scouting. By automatically capturing images of sticky traps, it accurately identifies and counts the insects on them, offering invaluable insights into insect population trends. This method minimizes the need for physical scouting and reduces administrative work, making it a more efficient choice for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. Trap-Eye provides real-time information on various pests and beneficial insects, aiding in the timely implementation of control measures. It’s easy to install, with magnets on greenhouse posts, and a web-based dashboard allows for remote monitoring. This innovative approach simplifies scouting and enhances IPM decision-making, ultimately improving crop health and yield. These awards were presented at the ABIM 2023, the Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting held at the Congress Center Basel in Switzerland from October 23 to 25 by The International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA). The event is the global meeting place for the biocontrol industry, featuring exhibitors from 20 countries, informative seminars, and various networking opportunities.

Sources:

Award:https://ibma-global.org/bernard-blum-award

Winners:https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ibma—international-biocontrol-manufacturers-association_we-are-proud-to-announce-the-winners-of-the-activity-7122252515164778496-kXEq/

All Nominees: https://ibma-global.org/bernard-blum-award/nominees