Certis Biologicals announces first registration of NemaClean in Europe

Certis Biologicals has announced the first registration of NemaClean, a new biocontrol nematicide formulated with the Purpureocillium lilacinum microorganism. The Netherlands has become the first country to authorize NemaClean as a low-risk product for the control of root-knot nematodes in fruiting vegetables of the Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae families. The Dutch Authority Ctgb served as the zonal Rapporteur Member State for this registration.

Following this authorization, NemaClean is now under regulatory assessment in European markets, including Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Greece, Bulgaria and Denmark. These countries represent significant opportunities for growers seeking effective solutions to manage root-knot nematodes, a damaging pest that has become increasingly difficult to control due to the reduction of conventional options.

NemaClean works by infecting nematode eggs and juveniles with the Purpureocillium lilacinum strain PL11, a fungus multiplying rapidly within the host, filling the body cavity with endospores, ultimately leading to its death. Efficacy studies have demonstrated that this mode of action mitigates damage caused by root-knot nematode infestations and also positively influences the growth of treated plants. The product is formulated as a wettable powder to be applied to the soil, providing growers with a targeted and effective biological tool for nematode management.