ProGro BIO, a trailblazer in microbial-based agricultural solutions, has announced a major strategic move to expand its biocontrol product line by seeking U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval for a new generation of organic, all-natural biocontrol formulations. This initiative marks a significant step toward reshaping the future of crop protection by introducing safer, more sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides.

The proposed products are designed to provide robust protection against some of the most persistent and yield-threatening agricultural enemies: soil and foliar fungal pathogens, parasitic nematodes, and foliar-feeding insects. These challenges cost growers millions annually in crop losses and treatment expenses, and ProGro BIO’s upcoming solutions aim to deliver targeted control with minimal ecological disruption.

At the heart of this innovation is ProGro BIO’s commitment to science-led product development. The company’s R&D team has spent years studying the synergies of microbial ecosystems and their natural defense mechanisms. “Our research has revealed promising modes of action driven by secondary metabolites—particularly polypeptides and polyphenols—produced by certain microbial blends,” said Dr. Robert Bruck, Chief Scientist at ProGro BIO. “These compounds, which are secreted during microbial metabolism, have demonstrated the ability to interrupt pest reproduction, damage pathogen cell walls, and even repel insect feeding—offering a powerful, natural form of pest suppression.”

This next-generation product line builds on the overwhelming success of Rhizol, ProGro BIO’s flagship microbial inoculant. Since its launch two years ago, Rhizol has earned widespread recognition for its efficacy and scalability. The product’s fully soluble dry formulation includes a diverse mix of 35 high-performance microbial isolates, making it one of the most concentrated inoculants on the market. It was certified organic by OMRI in late 2024, reinforcing its alignment with sustainable agricultural practices.

Rhizol’s adoption has been widespread, thanks to its demonstrated performance in over hundreds of field trials across the U.S., covering tens of thousands of acres. Growers using Rhizol have reported significant improvements in root architecture, plant vigor, nutrient absorption, and overall crop yields. These benefits make the product particularly valuable at a time when farmers are facing soil degradation, climate variability, and rising input costs.

According to Blake Young, CEO of ProGro BIO, the company’s expansion is driven by real conversations with growers and a genuine commitment to providing practical solutions. “Over the past two years, our conversations with farmers across the country have revealed growing frustration with the overreliance on conventional pesticides and their declining effectiveness,” he said. “There’s a clear demand for innovation—products that are not only effective but also align with the principles of regenerative and sustainable agriculture.”

Young emphasized the value of biocontrols in today’s agricultural landscape. “Unlike synthetic, broad-spectrum pesticides, microbial biocontrols are highly specific, biodegradable, and safer for non-target organisms such as pollinators, birds, and mammals,” he explained. “These products don’t just protect the crop—they protect the entire farming ecosystem.”

ProGro BIO’s upcoming biocontrol offerings are expected to be made available for EPA review in phases, with select pilot trials already underway in collaboration with academic partners and commercial growers. The company remains focused on integrating microbial science, farmer feedback, and sustainability benchmarks to shape the future of biological crop protection.

“With our planned expansion of the ProGro BIO microbial product line, we’re proud to lead the charge in developing environmentally responsible, next-generation agricultural solutions that truly meet the evolving needs of today’s growers,” said Young.

This development underscores ProGro BIO’s long-term vision to help transition global agriculture from chemical dependency to biologically intelligent systems—where innovation, productivity, and sustainability go hand in hand.

Source – PRNewswire