Bee Vectoring Technologies International Inc. announced strong spray trial results for the Company's proprietary Clonostachys rosea CR-7 (CR-7) biofungicide. Data from the Michigan State University trial shows that when used on a blueberry crop, BVT's CR-7 reduced early disease infection (shoot strikes) and Monilinia (mummy berry) fungal disease by over 90% compared to the untreated plot, and was equally effective as the grower standard (the conventional use of chemical treatments) when used as a spray application. Dr. Tim Miles, extension specialist and leading expert on blueberry diseases at Michigan State University, led the 2023 trial on Berkeley blueberries, a variety highly susceptible to mummy berry.

A technical grade CR-7 spray was applied to bushes from green tip to petal fall and compared to another plot sprayed with the grower standard. Mummy berry, caused by the fungus Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi, is a major blueberry pathogen that causes yield and quality loss. Primary infections, called shoot strikes, can result in bush dieback and can be a source for secondary infections later in the season.

Fruit "mummification" is not evident in early stages of development, but as the fruit develops, infected berries turn pink or light brown and eventually shrivel up. These shriveled berries then provide inoculum for subsequent seasons, resulting in a perennial pest pressure if not managed proactively. There are plans to repeat the trial in coming years.