In an era of increasing demand for sustainable agriculture, Lavie Bio Ltd., a subsidiary of Evogene Ltd., is making waves in the ag-biological sector with groundbreaking advancements in crop protection. The company recently announced significant progress in the development of LAV321, a bio-fungicide targeting downy mildew, marking a major milestone in the journey toward commercialization.
The Promise of LAV321
After three years of extensive field trials across Europe, LAV321 has demonstrated an exceptional average efficacy rate of 70% against downy mildew in grapes—a foliar disease that can devastate grape yields by up to 75% in key growing regions. This success propels LAV321 into the final stage of development, setting the stage for its pre-commercialization and regulatory approval processes.
Tackling Global Challenges
Downy mildew and late blight are among the most destructive diseases affecting fruit and vegetable crops, with staggering economic and agricultural consequences:
•Downy Mildew: Affects grape yields significantly, contributing to crop losses in major wine-producing regions.
•Late Blight: Impacts tomato and potato crops, causing an estimated $6.7 billion in damages annually worldwide.
In 2024, trials revealed LAV321’s efficacy against late blight exceeded 60%, matching the performance of commonly used copper-based products, which it is designed to replace.
Why LAV321 matters
The global fungicide market, currently valued at $24.5 billion, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9%, reaching $33.27 billion by 2028. With rising concerns over fungal resistance to chemical solutions and growing interest in environmentally friendly farming practices, bio-fungicides like LAV321 are gaining momentum.
Designed through Lavie Bio’s proprietary Biology Driven Design (BDD) platform, powered by Evogene’s cutting-edge MicroBoost AItech-engine, LAV321 offers a sustainable solution by:
1.Integrating seamlessly into existing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems.
2.Enhancing crop productivity and sustainability.
3.Helping to mitigate resistance development in conventional fungicides.
CEO’s Vision: A Step Toward a Sustainable Future
Amit Noam, CEO of Lavie Bio, shared his pride and optimism regarding the advancement of LAV321, stating:
“We are very pleased with LAV321’s performance over the last three years of our field trials, as well as in numerous trials conducted by several of our multinational partners. Our target of reaching 70% efficacy against downy mildew this year was successfully achieved, providing validation to our effective solution for key fruit and vegetable diseases, while fitting easily into current IPM practices. I am proud to announce that LAV321 has completed its development and is now entering the pre-commercial stage, with regulatory processes set to begin.”
A Game-Changer in Sustainable Agriculture
As farmers worldwide strive to balance productivity with environmental responsibility, innovations like LAV321 provide a beacon of hope. By replacing copper-based fungicides with a biological alternative, Lavie Bio is not only addressing the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions but also helping farmers meet the challenges of modern agriculture.
Looking Ahead
With its promising trial results, LAV321 is poised to become a game-changer in crop protection. As it enters the final stages of development, the agricultural community eagerly awaits its regulatory approval and commercial launch.
Lavie Bio’s commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural solutions underscores its leadership in the ag-biological industry, paving the way for a greener and more resilient future in farming.
Source – Lavie Bio
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