EcoPhage Submits EcoStraw® to EPA

EcoPhage, a leader in the development and commercialization of sustainable phage-based biopesticides for bacterial plant diseases, today announced the submission of EcoStraw® to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) for regulatory approval. This milestone marks the company’s fourth product submission, further demonstrating the strength and scalability of its proprietary research platform developed in collaboration with the Weizmann Institute of Science.

Strawberries are cultivated on more than 60,000 acres annually in the United States, primarily in Florida and California, for both fresh and frozen markets (USDA, 2024). Among the most persistent threats to strawberry production is Xanthomonas fragariae, the causal agent of Angular Leaf Spot (“ALS”), a disease that produces water-soaked, angular lesions on leaf undersides, leading to substantial crop damage, reduced yields, and economic loss for growers.

EcoStraw® is designed to address this challenge through a targeted, foliar-applied, preventative solution. The product features a precisely selected blend of bacteriophages, delivering broad host coverage, consistent efficacy, and multiple modes of infection. Its “plug-and-play” application enables seamless integration into existing crop management practices—offering growers both ease of use and reliable protection.in the field.

EcoStraw® builds on EcoPhage’s growing pipeline of EPA submissions , including GoldenEco® for bacterial diseases in tomatoes and peppers caused by Xanthomonas and Pseudomonas; EcoFire®, targeting fire blight in apples and pears caused by Erwinia amylovora; and EcoBrass®, developed to control black rot in Brassicaceae crops caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc).

EcoPhage’s phage-based biopesticides are non-GMO, residue-free, and environmentally friendly, providing targeted control of harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial microorganisms. The company’s platform enables the efficient development of scalable, zero-residue solutions that enhance crop health, yield, and quality while reducing reliance on conventional chemical treatments, aligning with the growing global demand for sustainable agriculture.