The range of creepy crawlies that find their way into Australian grain stores is broad enough to make you rethink your morning oats. I mean, no one likes the taste of flour beetles or weevils in their brekkie.

Agricultural technology development company Bio-Gene Technology (ASX: BGT) agrees, and are working on solutions to common pests in stored grain. 

The Company recently ran a 9 month trial wherein they utlised their combination pesticide treatment in the field to evaluate its efficacy. Flavocide is Bio-Gene’s proprietary insecticide that works via a unique mechanism of action. The program proved effective with Bio-Gene’s formula performing well, controlling five common grain pests: the Lesser grain borer, Flour beetle, Saw-toothed grain beetle, Flat grain beetle and Rice weevil.

Following the results of the initial study, follow up assessments were conducted 6 and 9 months after treatment. The final results showed that the combination insecticide treatment controlled non-resistant strains of all species, and resistant strains in three of the five target species. 

“Given these results, Bio-Gene is progressing discussions on the development program including next steps towards product development and registration,” said Richard Jagger, CEO of Bio-Gene. 

“The results of this longer-term study demonstrate the effectiveness of Flavocde in combination with other chemistry groups. The successful control of all susceptible strains of all five species tested over the 9-month study period is a great outcome. Control of resistant strains of all five species for either the full 9 months or a shorter period is very positive. Together with previous Flavocide efficacy testing results, this result forms the basis for Flavocide product label recommendations for control of the major pest species impacting grain storage.”

Another Flavocide study led by The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Queensland reported upon conclusion that the insecticide was effective against the Lesser grain borer in grain types other than wheat (namely maize and barley). 

Pesticides and crop protection in Australia is big business with their 2019 sales value being over $1.5 billion dollars. 

The market is dominated by a few key players however, there is plenty of room for innovation with changing climate conditions, technological advancements and growing resistance to commercially available pesticides. 

Currently there is no available single chemistry solution that controls all major pests in stored grain. Adding to the challenge is the increase in pest resistance which ultimately results in larger product losses for growers.  Flavocide is a potential remedy to resistant pests thanks to its novel mode of action, reducing the risk of further insecticide resistance moving forwards. 

For the half year ended 31st December 2021, Bio-Gene reported a 360% increase in revenue compared to the previous year. A $3.2 million capital raise in December saw the Company round out the period with $5.8 million cash at hand.