Eden Research’s Biopesticide Gains Ground as Sustainable Solution for Potato Growers
Eden Research PLC, a leading innovator in sustainable biopesticide and biocontrol technology, has announced that its biopesticide, Cedroz, has received temporary approval for use on potatoes in Greece. This approval, granted for the 2024 growing season under EU Regulation 1107/2009, allows Cedroz to be used against wireworms, a persistent pest that threatens potato yields.
Wireworms, the larvae of click beetles, are notorious for damaging potato crops by creating a dense network of holes and tunnels in the tubers. With limited options available—mainly synthetic insecticides—potato farmers have struggled to effectively combat this pest. The temporary approval of Cedroz offers a promising alternative that aligns with the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices.
Eastman Chemical, Eden’s commercial partner in multiple countries, will serve as the distributor of Cedroz in Greece. This partnership aims to address the issue of wireworm infestations across approximately 5,000–6,000 hectares of potato fields in Greece.
Sean Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Eden Research, highlighted the significance of this approval: “The granting of this temporary approval indicates that there are no other commercially available, viable alternatives to Cedroz for this particular use. We have seen in previous trials, and even under a previously granted temporary approval in Italy on wireworms, that the product works well and, as such, we are confident that there is a strong business case for this use.”
Eden Research is the only UK-listed company specializing in biopesticides for sustainable agriculture. Its biopesticide products, including Cedroz, are based on terpene-active chemicals derived from natural plant defense metabolites. These products are designed to be as effective as, or more effective than, traditional pesticides, while also enhancing crop yields and marketability.
Cedroz, a bionematicide, targets nematodes—a type of parasitic worm that infests many high-value fruit and vegetable crops worldwide. Already registered for sale across two continents, Cedroz continues to demonstrate its commercial potential in diverse agricultural settings.
