As growers across Australia face increasing pressures to reduce chemical inputs, improve soil health, and build sustainable production systems, biological solutions are no longer just an alternative — they are becoming essential tools for modern horticulture.

At the forefront of this biological revolution is Actinovate, a trusted and proven bio-fungicide based on the naturally occurring beneficial bacterium Streptomyces lydicus WYEC 108. It protects plants from various fungal pathogens using four key modes of action:

Mycoparasitism
Streptomyces lydicus attaches to fungal pathogens and directly parasitises them. It penetrates the hyphae of pathogenic fungi and disrupts their internal structures, causing death.

Antibiosis
It produces antifungal compounds (like antibiotics and enzymes) that inhibit or kill fungal pathogens. These metabolites interfere with fungal cell wall synthesis and other vital functions.

Competition for resources
The bacterium competes with pathogens for space and nutrients on plant roots and leaf surfaces, reducing the ability of harmful fungi to colonise the plant.

Induced systemic resistance (ISR)
Actinovate stimulates the plant’s natural defence mechanisms. This ‘priming’ makes the plant more resistant to future pathogen attacks by enhancing systemic resistance responses.

Beyond its disease suppression capabilities, Actinovate also promotes healthy root development and overall plant resilience — a dual-action benefit driving its growing popularity across vegetable, strawberry, and other horticultural crops.

What makes Actinovate especially appealing to progressive growers is its compatibility with integrated pest and disease management systems. 

It can be applied through irrigation or as a foliar spray and fits seamlessly into both conventional and organic programs.

With zero re-entry intervals and no withholding periods, Actinovate aligns well with export requirements and food safety standards, making it an ideal choice for fresh produce systems. Actinovate is APVMA accredited and is a certified organic input in Australia.

But the biological toolbox doesn’t stop there. 

Agreva offers a comprehensive suite of biological and bioactive products supporting growers in building soil health, improving nutrient efficiency, and enhancing plant vitality — all while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals.

• Sabel-X Hort: An advanced microbial bio-fertiliser featuring endophytic Trichoderma spp., developed through more than 30 years of global research and screening more than 1000 microbial strains. Unlike conventional soil-dwelling fungi, these endophytic strains colonise the interior of plant roots, living between cells and forming a symbiotic relationship that enhances plant health and productivity. Once inside the plant, Sabel-X promotes improved germination, root development, photosynthesis, stress resistance, and overall yield.
   
• Harmonise Biofertiliser: A microbial formulation based on Bacillus amyloliquifaciens that encourages increased soil activity and plant performance. Helps the plant to adapt to stress, resists abiotic and biotic pressures, aids in plant establishment, and increases root mass.
   
• Sergomil L60: A biostimulant and systemic copper-based fertiliser, designed to enhance plant vigour, growth, and resilience. Its unique formulation provides efficient absorption through both foliar and root applications. Sergomil L60 promotes lignin accumulation in cell walls, strengthening plant tissues and improving fruit firmness and overall crop quality.

These products represent a growing movement toward sustainable intensification, and at Agreva, we believe that farming with nature is not just good stewardship — it’s smart business.

The future of horticulture will be built on resilience, innovation, and intelligent use of chemistry — including high-quality biological solutions.

Whether you're just beginning to explore these tools or already well into your biological transition, our team is here to support you with the right knowledge, products, and technical advice.

Always read the labels before use.

Our products are available nationally through your agricultural retailer.