Canada approves use of Regalia Maxx to control downy mildew in hops

Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency recently approved the emergency use of Regalia Maxx biofungicide for the control of downy mildew infections in hops.

Marrone Bio Innovations Inc., (MBI) was able to secure this emergency approval from Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency with the aid and support of Minor Use (Crop) Coordinators for the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. This approval comes in time for the 2015 hop growing season.

"A downy mildew infection can cause significant yield losses and quality issues for hops growers," MBI CEO Pam Marrone said. "We're pleased to provide Canadian hops growers with an environmentally responsible and effective solution for controlling a difficult to manage disease. Regalia Maxx was tested and proven to suppress downy mildew by Canada's Integrated Crop Management Service and we're pleased to see the results of those tests being applied to help Canadian farmers and North American brewers."

An advanced biofungicide that minimizes chemical residues by being used alone in a disease-control program, Regalia Maxx is most used for exported crops at the end of the season right before harvest or in rotation with synthetic fungicides or in a tank mix. It activates a plant's natural defenses to protect against a variety of fungal and bacterial diseases. Regalia Maxx features multiple modes of action, which helps to prevent or delay the development of disease resistance.