Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. is set to launch ECOARK®, a novel biological control agent designed to combat crown gall disease. Scheduled for a domestic release in Spring 2026, this breakthrough product offers a solution for fruit tree and rose growers where no effective control method previously existed.
Kumiai Chemical Launches ECOARK®: A Novel Biological Solution for Crown Gall Disease
Tokyo, Japan — January 13, 2026
Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. has announced the upcoming launch of ECOARK®, a biological control agent for crown gall disease, in the domestic market in Spring 2026. Jointly developed by Okayama Prefecture, Kumiai Chemical, and K-I Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., the product contains the non-pathogenic Rhizobium vitis ARK-1 strain as its active ingredient.
Crown gall disease, caused by soil-borne bacteria, induces tumor-like “galls” on roots and stems, causing stunted growth and economic damage, particularly in grapes and roses. Until now, there has been no effective method for controlling this disease in Japan.
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- Target Crops: Highly effective for fruit trees (grapes, apples) and roses[cite: 6].
- Application Method: Simple soaking of roots or cuttings in a 5000x diluted solution for 1 to 24 hours prior to planting[cite: 78].
- Sustainability: Aligned with Japan’s “MIDORI Strategy,” ECOARK uses natural microorganisms, ensuring safety for workers and the environment[cite: 70, 71].
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“ECOARK is expected to be the only control agent that can contribute to reducing and resolving this problem,” the company stated. By distributing this solution, Kumiai aims to support producers suffering from crop damage while contributing to global food safety and security.
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