Following preliminary eco-toxicity studies on limited aquatic species, agtech developer Bio-Gene Technology (ASX: BGT) has reported favourable results for its flagship next-gen insecticide, Flavocide. 

The studies were completed on guppy fish, water fleas and freshwater algae which represented key species of marine life most likely to be impacted by the introduction of pesticide. Following application of the maximum dosage allowed by regulatory authorities, the studies confirmed Flavocide would fall in the ‘favourable’ category of environmental hazards with no negative impact on the aquatic organisms. 

“These preliminary results are very positive as they indicate a further level of de-risking of our proprietary technology on the path towards commercialisation,” said Bio-Gene Director for Research and Development, Peter May. 

“Our understanding of dose response and sensitivity towards these aquatic species helps us to establish the safety profile of Flavocide when used in outdoor situations such as mosquito control programs undertaken in aquatic environments.”

“The results indicate that Flavocide has low toxicity to these key representative aquatic species and may therefore be safely used in outdoor mosquito control programs.” 

With resistance to current insecticide products increasing through generations of pests, this resistance poses one of the most dangerous future threats to grain storage and public health. Key to Flavocide is its naturally occurring class of chemicals known as beta-trikatones. 

The encouraging eco-toxicity results follow on from a partnership recently signed with U.S-based Clarke Mosquito Control to develop Flavocide and Qcide, for use in public health mosquito control in North, South and Central America. The partnership is also expected to open further opportunities with NGOs and philanthropic organisations in the public health space. 

Bio-Gene will now work towards extend the range of its eco-toxicity studies.