RootDei Biocontrol®
RootDei Biocontrol® is a biological fungicide for certified control of Rhizoctonia solani in potato cultivation. Officially approved, field-tested, and trusted by agronomists across Europe.
Approved in Germany
BVL 00A933-00
Active substance reduction & market pressure over growers
The most widely used active substances for Rhizoctonia solani control in potato cultivation are currently under European Commission scrutiny for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as degradation products, and their long-term effects on soil and water quality.
Being prepared means having alternatives that match their efficacy on controlling disease. And if those alternatives also deliver better marketable yield and improve soil health season after season — here is how modern biotechnology makes it possible, backed by scientific evidence and field data.
ROOTED IN SCIENCE
More then 20 years of research in biological control agents for plant protection
More than 25 years ago, Emeritus Professor Dr. María Isabel Trillas at the Universitat de Barcelona identified an exceptional strain of Trichoderma asperellum: highly effective, adaptable to different crops and conditions, active against multiple soil-borne pathogens, and capable of working through different application strategies. That strain, now patented and registered as T. asperellum strain T34, became the scientific foundation of Biocontrol Technologies.
What began as scientific research soon proved to have a much broader value. T34 was not a microorganism to remain confined to the laboratory: over years of trials, crops and field conditions, it continued to demonstrate its potential as a practical biological tool for modern crop protection.
Today, the Chair of Microorganisms in Agriculture — a joint initiative of Biocontrol Technologies and the University of Barcelona maintains this commitment to applied research.
RootDei Biocontrol®
RootDei Biocontrol® is the result of that journey applied to potato production: a specific formulation and use strategy designed for potato growers, focused on Rhizoctonia solani control and developed to integrate easily into standard planting systems — without changing machinery or adding complexity to the grower’s routine.
It brings together what growers need today: reliable disease control, compatibility with sustainable production, support for soil and root health, and a practical way to protect yield and quality in a changing regulatory context.
A highly concentrated
formulation with one powerful
strain
RootDei Biocontrol® is applied once to the planting furrow during sowing. The product integrates seamlessly into standard planting processes—without additional steps or machine changes. Colonization of the rhizosphere by T. asperellum T34 protects the plant during the critical phase of tuber development.
Easy integration into existing cultivation processes
RootDei Biocontrol® is designed to integrate naturally into standard potato farming practices. The primary application method requires no additional machinery or step
In-furrow application
A single application at sowing – directly into the planting line, at the same time as planting the tubers.
No additional treatments are required during the entire harvest cycle. Protects roots and stolons from the very beginning of tuber development.
Roller Table
Apply evenly to the tuber surface before planting. A proven method with excellent results in field trials.
Note on alternative application methods:
Roller table and irrigation application methods go beyond the scope of the officially approved label in Germany (BVL 00A933-00). Application is the sole responsibility of the user. Please observe the valid authorization and national plant protection regulations. Alternative application methods have been tested and are currently undergoing the approval process.
Multiple Mechanisms of Action.
Trichoderma asperellum strain T34 works through a network of mechanisms that not only combat pathogens but also promote plant health. The FRAC classifies T34 under group BM02 — a multi-mode microbial control product that prevents the development of resistance.
FRAC BM02
Trichoderma asperellum strain T34 is classified under FRAC group BM02 — microbial agents with multiple simultaneous modes of action.
Resistance development in Rhizoctonia solani or among other diseases would require simultaneous mutations against all — evolutionarily near-impossible.
Efficacy remains stable across multiple growing seasons.
Direct Mycoparasitism
Parasitation of Sclerotia
RootDei Biocontrol® is able to parasitize the sclerotia of Rhizoctonia solani , thereby breaking down the infectious structures of the pathogen and sustainably reducing the sources of infection in the soil.
Competition for Space and Nutrients
T34 rapidly colonizes the rhizosphere and, through its rapid colonization, prevents the establishment of pathogens. It has been shown to suppress a wide range of pathogens: Fusarium spp., Pythium spp., and others.
Production of Biostatic Metabolites
RootDei Biocontrol® produces specific bioactive compounds with inhibitory effects against fungi such as Sclerotinia spp., Rhizoctonia solani, Streptomyces cabiei, Helminthosporium solani and others.
Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR)
It improves the plant’s natural defense mechanisms against a variety of biotic stressors. The plant reacts faster and more effectively to pathogen attack.
Stimulation of Root Development
Promotes the formation of secondary roots and root hairs, improves water and nutrient uptake and supports vigorous plant development from the beginning of the growing cycle.
Improved Nutrient Assimilation
Strengthens the root system and releases beneficial compounds in the rhizosphere, leading to better nutrient utilization and greater efficiency of the resources used.
Induction of Germination
Promotes rapid and even germination and supports vigorous plant growth — especially relevant under stressful conditions due to climatic fluctuations.
Approved for Rhizoctonia solani
Stem Canker and Black Scurf
Black scab and stem canker in potatoes — the most important soil-borne disease in potato cultivation in temperate climates.
Economic impacts are both quantitative (yield loss) and qualitative (tuber quality, marketability).
university studies and field trials
GEP screening trials in 2023 (Spain, Italy) showed over 80% cyst reduction compared to the untreated control.1
−71.3% infestation severity under real field conditions; significant induction of systemic resistance (ISR) demonstrated.2
Significant reduction in disease incidence observed 12 hours after application under laboratory conditions.3
Statistically significant reduction in infestation incidence compared to the untreated control.4
Infestation reduction of over 80%. Both in-furrow and roller table applications outperformed standard chemical treatments.5
−52% shell defects, +15% total yield, +61.5% share of marketable tubers (>55 mm caliber) vs. untreated.6
1 GEP screening trials. SynTech Research: EU-23-0117-01 (Picanya, Spain) and 4062.N.SAG23 (Castagnito, Italy), 2023. Approval procedures underway in several EU countries.
2 Mohamed, B. F. F., Sallam, N. M. A., Alamri, S. A. M., Abo-Elyousr, K. A. M., Mostafa, Y. S. & El-Moneim, A. M. A. (2020). Approving the biocontrol method of potato wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum using Enterobacter cloacae PS14 and Trichoderma asperellum T34. Egypt Journal of Biological Pest Control, 30(1), 61. Assiut University & King Abdulaziz University, 2017–2018.
3 PhD thesis. University of Barcelona & Université Abderrahmane Mira (Algeria), 2023.
4 University study. University of Seville, Department of Agronomy, 2016–2017.
5 Preliminary commercial field trial. France, 2024. Results pending independent validation under GEP-certified conditions.
6 Strip trial conducted by a distribution partner. Viersen, Lower Rhine, 2024. Results pending independent validation.
With the exception of Rhizoctonia solani, the effects mentioned are not officially approved in Germany. The data presented here are derived from university studies, PhD research, peer-reviewed scientific publications, GEP screening trials, and preliminary field trials conducted by distribution partners. They serve for scientific classification purposes and do not replace any officially recognized marketing authorization.
Hover over a crop to see it
RootDei Biocontrol®’s portfolio of approved products includes potatoes as well as other root and leafy vegetable crops. This enables distributors and farmers to implement a consistent, residue-free crop protection strategy across multiple crops.
← Hover a crop to see it
Active trials in Germany and across Europe
The efficacy and safety of RootDei Biocontrol® has been confirmed in official trials according to Good Experimental Practice (GEP) — the strictest standard for the approval of plant protection products in the EU.
Participation in the RhizocNEW project
Biocontrol Technologies, with its RootDei Biocontrol®, is participating in the Dutch RhizocNEW project — an innovative European research initiative for the sustainable control of Rhizoctonia solani in potato cultivation. The project is coordinated, among others, by Wageningen University & Research.
Participation in this research project underlines our commitment to scientific validation under real European growing conditions — beyond the GEP trials already conducted.
Plant protection in potato cultivation — from genetics to field practice
Each module is built on scientific evidence and real field experience. For farmers, agronomic consultants and sales partners.
From science, directly into the field.
6 specialist modules
20 years of research: prepared for farmers, consultants and sales.
Interactive map
15 GEP trials + 9 active trials 2026. Project RhizocNEW + Distribution Wordwide
Audiovisual Content
Infurrow Application - Technical Video & Audio Podcast about the Rhizoctonia disease cycle.
Downloable PDF
Complete documentation acces to GEP trials PDF free to download
Your contact person for RootDei Biocontrol®
RootDei Biocontrol® is available in Germany through our exclusive distribution partner. For other European markets, the BCT team is available directly.
