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.

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”. This reduces citrus greening levels and provides long-term protection without modifying the tree’s genome.

“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

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. 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. 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.

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