T34 Biocontrol® expands its uses on strawberries and berries in Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands
Octubre de 2026 – Biocontrol Technologies has secured new label extensions in Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands for T34 Biocontrol®, its biofungicide formulated with Trichoderma asperellum strain T34. All three authorizations add strawberries and a range of berries and small fruits. Each one covers the control of Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp., two soilborne pathogens that cause root and crown rot in these crops.
With these extensions, strawberry and berry growers in three European markets now have an authorized biological tool for their integrated soilborne disease management programs.
New Authorized Uses by Country
Italy
On September 30, 2026, the Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute) approved by decree an amendment to the authorization of T34 Biocontrol® (Reg. No. 16734). The application was evaluated under the zonal procedure, with France acting as zonal Rapporteur Member State. The extension includes:
Authorised crops and target pathogens
Strawberry, open field
Against Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp.
Small fruits
Against Phytophthora spp. in open-field and greenhouse production, and against Pythium spp. in open-field production.
Authorised application methods
Riego del sustrato de propagación
Before transplanting
Root dip
Drench at transplanting
or during the crop cycle
Up to 12 applications per year are permitted, with a minimum interval of 30 days between applications.
An application for the same label extension has also been submitted for Trikhos Biocontrol®, an identically formulated brand marketed in Italy by CIFO. This authorization is currently pending.
Spain
Extension of use authorised by MAPA
T34 Biocontrol® · ES-00283
Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) has authorized the extension of use of T34 Biocontrol® (Reg. No. ES-00283) to strawberry and fruit shrubs: blackberry, raspberry, blueberry/bilberry, currant, and caper.
Target pathogens and growing conditions
The authorized use covers Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp. in outdoor production, including tunnels.
Extension of use pending authorisation
Asperello®
Identically formulated brand marketed in Spain by Biobest.
This authorization is currently pending.
The same label extension has also been requested for Asperello®, the identically formulated brand marketed in Spain by Biobest. This authorization is currently pending.
Netherlands
Extension of use authorised by the Ctgb
Asperello® · 15212N
In October 2026, the Ctgb (College voor de toelating van gewasbeschermingsmiddelen en biociden), the Dutch authority responsible for authorizing plant protection products, granted a label extension for Asperello® (Reg. No. 15212N).
Authorised crops and growing conditions
Strawberries, berries, and small fruits
Extension of use against Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp.
Uncovered outdoor production
Authorised exclusively for outdoor cultivation, without protective cover.
Two Key Soilborne Pathogens in Strawberries and Berries
Phytophthora and Pythium are oomycetes, fungus-like soil organisms. They attack the root system and the crown of the plant, and their incidence increases when the soil or substrate holds excess moisture, especially during crop establishment.
Trichoderma asperellum strain T34 rapidly colonizes soil and substrate, competing with these organisms for space and nutrients. Its role is therefore preventive: it is applied so that the strain becomes established in the rhizosphere before disease pressure builds, as part of an integrated management strategy.
Distribution by Market
Spain
Direct distribution
Biocontrol Technologies
distributes
T34 Biocontrol® directly.
Asperello®, marketed by Biobest, will add these uses once its authorization process is complete.
Italy
Distribution networkT34 Biocontrol® is distributed by Biolchim.
Trikhos Biocontrol®, marketed by CIFO, will add these uses once its authorization process is complete.
Netherlands
Sales networkAsperello® is marketed through Biobest and BioWorks.
With these authorizations, Biocontrol Technologies continues to expand the authorized uses of its strain T34–based formulations for strawberry and berry crops across Europe. Before planning any application, check the current label in your country and the authorized conditions of use. For further technical information, contact our team.
T34 Biocontrol® in strawberries and berry crops: results from 25 GEP trials
Download the technical dossier to explore the efficacy results of T34 Biocontrol® compared with the chemical reference treatment across 25 official GEP trials. It includes the experimental design, application rates, cultivars and statistical significance for each trial, together with application protocols for each crop. -
