Belgian authorities have granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a company RNA-based insecticide, Calantha®, to control Colorado Potato Beetle (CPB) in potatoes during the 2026 growing season. The authorization marks the first use of RNA technology for crop protection in the European Union and provides growers with a new, targeted tool to address severe pest pressure and increasing resistance to conventional chemistries.
The Emergency Use Authorization supported by key Belgian potato growers, Belgapom and other stakeholders allows the use of Calantha for a 120-day period from May 1 through August 28, 2026, covering the critical window for CPB control in Belgium.
This new authorization reflects a response to both the severity of current infestations and the increasing challenges of managing CPB resistance with conventional chemistries. Calantha, powered by ledprona, provides a novel mode of action that offers an additional tool for resistance-management programs while leaving no detectable residues on harvested potatoes.
Using RNA technology for precise activity against the target pest, Calantha is designed to not harm bees, beneficial insects, or other non-target organisms, supporting growers in meeting increasing environmental and stewardship expectations.
Registered by the EPA for use in the United States, Calantha has demonstrated effective control of the Colorado Potato Beetle under commercial growing conditions while meeting strict regulatory and safety standards.
the company is working in collaboration with other company, to support product deployment, technical guidance, and stewardship throughout the authorization period in Belgium. This partnership – leveraging Fine B.V.’s strong presence in the potato segment – ensures Belgian growers have access to local expertise and support as they implement this new mode of action.
″This represents an important step in bringing RNA-based crop protection to European agriculture,″ ″Our goal is to develop innovative solutions that help address urgent crop protection challenges while providing growers with precise, effective tools that help protect yield.″
