Costa Rican agricultural technology company ClearLeaf has announced promising results for its non-toxic fungi bactericide, GotaBlanca, in controlling Pestalotia leaf spot and fruit rot diseases in field-grown strawberries.
The product proved highly effective in a trial conducted by researchers at the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, where scientists evaluated a range of fungicide products and formulations against Neopestalotiopsis, the pathogen responsible for the increasingly serious disease.
The disease has become a major challenge for strawberry growers in Florida and other growing regions across the Americas, while growing concerns over fungicide resistance are increasing the need for products with alternative modes of action.
According to ClearLeaf, GotaBlanca significantly outperformed some other new-generation technologies evaluated in the trial. The company said the product also offers a lower risk of microbial resistance and is non-toxic to soils, workers and beneficial organisms on farms.
“We are pleased with the results but not surprised,” said Dr. Agustin Buchert, Chief Science Officer at ClearLeaf. “They are consistent with our proven efficacy on more than 50 different fungal and bacterial pathogens in more than 40 crops.”
Buchert said strawberry growers in ClearLeaf’s Latin American markets are already using GotaBlanca as a non-toxic approach to managing Neopestalotiopsis, adding that the product can also help address resistance and reduce re-entry periods.
The University of Florida study was led by Dr. Natalia Peres, who said growers need additional options to manage the disease.
“Growers need additional fungicide options for managing Neopestalotiopsis, and our objective was to evaluate how new products perform under Florida field conditions,” Peres said. “GotaBlanca performed well in this trial and merits further evaluation.”
ClearLeaf said GotaBlanca’s potential value to strawberry growers lies not only in its disease-control performance but also in how it interacts with crops and the farm environment.
The product does not interfere with plant metabolism or photosynthesis, according to the company, allowing crops to maintain their vigour without compromising yield. Its multi-site mode of action also means pathogens do not have a single target on which to develop resistance, potentially giving it an advantage over single-site products.
ClearLeaf further said GotaBlanca is non-toxic to workers, soil biology and beneficial organisms, which can shorten or eliminate re-entry restrictions and allow harvesting crews to return to treated fields without disrupting operations. The company also said the product leaves no residue of regulatory concern for buyers and export markets.
ClearLeaf is focused on developing agricultural solutions designed to improve crop production while reducing risks to workers, consumers and the environment.
However, the company noted that GotaBlanca is currently registered for use or sale only in selected international markets. It is not currently registered for sale, distribution or commercial use in the United States or its territories, although U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registration is planned.
