Bee Vectoring Technologies International Inc. (the ″Company″ or ″BVT″) (CSE: BEE) (OTCQB: BEVVF) (CVE:BEE) announced significant Research and Development advancements for its proprietary biological control agent Clonostachys rosea strain CR-7 (CR-7) use as a seed treatment solution for soybeans. This breakthrough underscores the product’s compatibility and safety on seeds, propelling it toward commercialization in the agriculture sector.

″Investing in this research is crucial for understanding the potential market for a CR-7 seed treatment product,″ said Ashish Malik, CEO of BVT. ″This study allowed us to assess the effectiveness and safety of CR-7 on soybean seed, duration of action, and compatibility with other treatments. These are fundamental studies to support launching this product and further advancing our partnership opportunities.″

″Two years of rigorous testing confirmed CR-7’s exceptional safety profile on soybean seeds, showing no signs of toxicity or adverse effects on plant health,″ said Dr. Mason Newark, Field Technical Manager at BVT. ″These results establish CR-7 as an excellent candidate for seed treatment, given its long shelf life, compatibility with other common seed treatment products, and its safety for use on seeds.″

The seed treatment market is a significant new revenue opportunity for the Company. Through a future licensing agreement, BVT could potentially reap significant annual royalties from this application.

″We continue to progress our collaborations with major global multinationals,″ said Mr. Malik. ″These are potential partners looking to differentiate their seed treatment portfolio offerings in soybeans, a major global crop that is worth US$155 billion annually and projected to reach US$278 billion by 2031.″(1)

Research highlights include:

• Extended Viability: CR-7 demonstrates a long shelf life once it is coated on soybean seeds. This is a key metric for seed treatments since seeds may not be planted for 6-12 months post-treatment, thus giving BVT sales partners a strong value proposition and a robust product. This shelf-life study in ongoing.

• Compatibility with other seed treatments: Testing confirms CR-7’s compatibility with other seed treatment products, including biologicals and chemical pesticides, ensuring it fits seamlessly into existing agricultural practices where multiple products are applied to the seed at the same time.

• Proven Safety: Extensive safety tests show that CR-7 does not harm soybean plant germination or growth, maintaining plant health from seed through maturity.

Additional observations from BVT’s R&D team included:

• No observation of negative interactions between CR-7 and other microbes.

• CR-7 demonstrated significant compatibility with a number of major and commonly used fungicides.

• After nine months, CR-7 remains detectable in seedlings, demonstrating that it stays dormant until activated by a live host. This underscores its robust and enduring shelf life.

″Our ongoing R&D efforts continue to showcase the robustness of CR-7, with promising results indicating its effectiveness remains intact for up to nine months and potentially beyond,″ continued Dr. Newark. ″Now we are testing for 20 months plus viability. What we’ve found so far that’s particularly  exciting is that CR-7 grows with the plant and creates a broader zone of protection from the seed stage to well into the roots and stems of the plant.″

Above: A blotter test can be used to detect CR-7. The photos show that CR-7 is growing on soybean root and stem tissue.

Soybeans are the fourth leading crop produced globally. Brazil is the world’s largest soybean producer and exporter and together with the United States, the two countries supply nearly 90 percent of soybean exports to the world.(2)

What’s next? A commercial formulation of the seed treatment product is in development: BVT is now focused on taking this strong proof of concept and turning it into a formulated product.

(1) Source: IISD, Global Market Report: Soybean prices and sustainability, 2024

(2) Source: USDA, Economic Research Service, 2023