Silvec Announces EPA Registration for its NovelTherapy Delivery Technology

Silvec Announces EPA Registration for its Novel Therapy Delivery Technology

RNA-Based Delivery Product Receives Unconditional Commercial Registration to Combat Citrus Greening

Gaithersburg, MD — August 10, 2026

Silvec Biologics Inc., a Maryland-based agricultural biotechnology company, announced on August 10, 2026, that its novel RNA-based therapy delivery product has been registered for unconditional commercial use under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act[cite: 1].

Combating Citrus Greening Without Genetic Modification

The product uses a naturally non-transmitted version of the citrus tristeza virus found in most Florida citrus trees, reprogrammed to induce trees to produce a natural antimicrobial peptide from spinach called “defensin”[cite: 1]. This reduces citrus greening levels and provides long-term protection without modifying the tree’s genome[cite: 1].

“We are excited to build on 15 years of pioneering work by Southern Gardens Citrus (a subsidiary of U. S. Sugar), the University of Florida, and Texas A&M and look forward to beginning to partner with growers in late 2026 through the Florida Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) program.”

— Dr. Rafael Simon, Co-founder and CEO of Silvec[cite: 1]

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

Citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing) has hit Florida particularly hard, with production dropping by 95% in 2025 from its pre-disease peak[cite: 1]. Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, noted that the industry is depending on new approaches like Silvec’s technology to secure a viable future[cite: 1]. Furthermore, Silvec is working on subsequent product generations alongside the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture to enhance protection against other bacteria, fungi, and insects[cite: 1].

“Achieving EPA registration with no tolerance limit as a testament to product safety.”