Growth Products of White Plains, New York, has introduced Companion, a new broad-spectrum biological fungicide that has been approved for use in organic production.

The active ingredient in Companion is Bacillus subtilis strain GB03, a naturally occurring rhizosphere bacterium that produces an antibiotic (iturin) that disrupts cell wall formation of the pathogen and colonizes the plant to exclude and prevent pathogen growth. Trials have shown that GB03 triggers induced systemic resistant in plants, by activating the plant’s natural immune system to fight disease, according to information from Growth Products.

Companion, a wettable powder, can be applied as a soil drench, foliar spray, or seed treatment on many crops, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nuts.