Sipco's Eco-Friendly Biopesticide Breakthrough
Sipco Innovations developed a novel plant-based biopesticide using essential oils to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional pesticides. Supported by BCCAI, the project successfully tested the biopesticide on key greenhouse crops, paving the way for more eco-friendly pest control solutions.
The problem
Agriproducers in Canada face a complex landscape of environmental, regulatory, and economic challenges in pest control. The shifting climate has expanded the range and lifecycle of pests, introducing new threats and exacerbating existing issues. Stringent pesticide regulations designed to protect human health and the environment have restricted the chemical tools available, pushing farmers to seek alternatives. Additionally, resistance development in pest populations has diminished the effectiveness of traditional pesticides, demanding continuous adaptation and innovation. Economic pressures, including high costs of pest management and fluctuating crop prices, further complicate the situation, especially for smaller farms.
Sipco Innovations Inc., a BC-based IPM company, is developing novel plant-based sustainable biopesticides using essential oils. Known for their eco-friendly properties, biodegradable essential oils present an effective and sustainable substitute for chemical-based pesticides without compromising on sensitivity and efficacy against targeted pests. The innovative approach of Sipco aims to improve IPM and ensure the sustainability and long-term health of our agriculture ecosystem.
The solution
In 2023, BCCAI supported Sipco with funding and project support for the development of a novel, plant-based biopesticide. This solution, made from essential oils and plant-derived volatile organic compounds, targets pests in greenhouse crops such as cannabis, cucumbers and ornamental plants. The project, concluded in early 2024, involved testing various foliar application rates against greenhouse pathogens on key crops. These tests validated the biopesticide's effectiveness in combating fungal diseases and pests, showcasing the potential of plant-derived compounds in sustainable pest management.
Through BCCAI’s co-creation model, Sipco accessed expertise from Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Farm Forest Research Inc., benefiting from advanced research facilities and essential resources. With BCCAI's support, Sipco completed five successful trials: powdery mildew on cannabis, powdery mildew on cucumber, spider mites on cannabis, spider mites on strawberry, and aphids on pepper.
The promising results are now being used to support submissions to Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) for regulatory approval. Meanwhile, Sipco’s biopesticide has already received approval in several US states, marking a significant milestone and paving the way for more sustainable pest control practices in North American agriculture.
STATUS: COMPLETED
- $97,000 in funds
- HQP job(s) created:1
- HQP(s) trained:2
