Biontech’s patented Bacillus subtilis Y1336 registered in Japan for greenhouse air-duct application
AgroPages reports that Taiwan-based specialist biopesticide producer Biontech Co., Ltd. achieved a commercial technology milestone in Japan. Its international flagship strain, Bacillus subtilis Y1336, obtained registration for a novel greenhouse air-duct application to prevent and control gray mold on greenhouse tomatoes. Arysta LifeScience registered and marketed the patented strain in Japan.
Bacillus subtilis Y1336 greenhouse air-duct application
Biontech manager Gong-An Chen explained: “Our patented Bacillus subtilis Y1336 is a vigorous pesticide-grade strain. The product combines biological fungicidal, bactericidal and fertilizer characteristics.”
He described air-duct application as a specialized greenhouse delivery system. Unlike conventional spraying after dilution with water, dry Y1336 powder containing dormant spores is fed directly into the greenhouse air-duct system by a machine at scheduled times and measured quantities, without water dilution. Air circulation distributes the powder throughout the greenhouse. The spores settle slowly and continuously on tomato leaves and fruit. Under stable greenhouse humidity and temperature, they activate, grow and germinate, releasing antimicrobial metabolites that suppress the growth and activity of the gray-mold pathogen.
This application requires specially developed physical specifications for the spore powder. Particle fineness, uniformity, specific gravity, resistance to caking and air-suspension characteristics differ from ordinary commercial spore powders. A high-grade powder is needed for effective air-duct delivery.
Gong-An Chen added that, compared with conventional application, the system saves labor, lowers costs and extends treatment coverage. It offers tomato growers a simpler, more efficient way to maintain gray-mold control over time. He reported favorable farmer feedback because it addressed inconsistent biological-product performance and high application costs.
Dr. Satoshi Yamanaka, Arysta’s research and development manager in Japan, said: “In addition to gray mold, we have confirmed that Y1336 air-duct application controls tomato powdery mildew as effectively as conventional application. We plan to extend the registration to tomato powdery mildew, making use more convenient for farmers. We also plan further extensions to gray mold and powdery mildew on other greenhouse vegetables.”
Biontech chairman Po-Ju Chen thanked Arysta for its work and contribution to securing this novel Japanese registration. To meet the application specifications, he explained, Biontech had substantially improved powder fineness. Its technology could produce all powder below 325 mesh (44 micrometers), which he regarded as among the finest Bacillus powders available worldwide.
He added that conventional agricultural Bacillus subtilis powders were generally 100–150 mesh, or above 100 micrometers. Continual improvements in product technology, cross-disciplinary applications and performance had enabled Biontech to meet Japan’s advanced delivery specifications, pass product testing and obtain formal registration.
Dr. Ying-Du Su, Biontech’s global chief operating officer, said the company would continue promoting air-duct delivery in the European Union and United States rather than stop with Japan. He hoped it would become widely used in greenhouses worldwide and said Biontech would be pleased to share and promote the technology for farmers’ benefit.
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