Page 16 - AWA Vol.42-No.5 issue

FErTilizErS

Glutathione: A Key Ally in Plant Health

In modern agriculture, ensuring crop health in the face of
challenges such as climate change, water stress, and patho-
gens is a top priority. In this context, glutathione, a natural com-
pound present in plants, emerges as a key element in plant
stress response.
This tripeptide, composed of glutamic acid, cysteine, and
glycine, acts as a powerful antioxidant and plays a vital role
in numerous physiological processes that strengthen crop re-
silience. Its main function is the detoxification of free radicals
and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which accumulate under
adverse conditions such as drought, salinity, or extreme tem-
peratures.
In addition, glutathione plays a fundamental role in toler-
ance to abiotic stress and in the detoxification of heavy met-
als through the formation of phytochelatins. It is also closely This nutrient is essential for the formation of cysteine, the most
linked to sulfur metabolism and the synthesis of essential com- limiting amino acid in glutathione synthesis.
pounds for proper plant development.
By ensuring a balanced sulfur supply, Sultech biostimulants
Sultech Biostimulants: Activating Natural Plant Defenses promote the natural production of glutathione, strengthening

In this context, AFEPASA’s Sultech biostimulants are designed the plant’s antioxidant system and improving its ability to cope
to optimize the availability of sulfur in easily assimilable forms. with stress conditions. Circle 16 on enquiry card

Greenlight Biosciences Secures Belgian Emergency use

Authorization for first RNA-Based Insecticide in the EU
of current infestations and the increasing challenges of man-
aging CPB resistance with conventional chemistries. Calantha,
powered by ledprona, provides a novel mode of action that of-
fers an additional tool for resistance-management programs
while leaving no detectable residues on harvested potatoes.
Using RNA technology for precise activity against the target
pest, Calantha is designed to not harm bees, beneficial insects,
or other non-target organisms, supporting growers in meeting
increasing environmental and stewardship expectations.
Registered by the EPA for use in the United States, Calantha
has demonstrated effective control of the Colorado Potato Bee-
tle under commercial growing conditions while meeting strict
regulatory and safety standards.

GreenLight Biosciences is working in collaboration with Fine
Belgian authorities have granted Emergency Use Authoriza- Agrochemicals B.V., part of De Sangosse Group, to support
tion (EUA) for GreenLight Biosciences RNA-based insecticide, product deployment, technical guidance, and stewardship
Calantha®, to control Colorado Potato Beetle (CPB) in potatoes throughout the authorization period in Belgium. This partner-
during the 2026 growing season. The authorization marks the ship – leveraging Fine B.V.’s strong presence in the potato seg-
first use of RNA technology for crop protection in the European ment – ensures Belgian growers have access to local expertise
Union and provides growers with a new, targeted tool to address and support as they implement this new mode of action. More
severe pest pressure and increasing resistance to conventional information can be found on, finebv.eu/fr-be/product/calantha/
chemistries.
“This represents an important step in bringing RNA-based
The Emergency Use Authorization supported by key Belgian crop protection to European agriculture,” said Steven Victor
potato growers, Belgapom and other stakeholders allows the Turbes, Chief Commercial Officer at GreenLight Biosciences.
use of Calantha for a 120-day period from May 1 through Au- “Our goal is to develop innovative solutions that help address
gust 28, 2026, covering the critical window for CPB control in urgent crop protection challenges while providing growers
Belgium. with precise, effective tools that help protect yield.”
This new authorization reflects a response to both the severity Circle 17 on enquiry card
14 Vol. 42 No. 5