RinoTec Technology Offers New Biocontrol for Corn, Potatoes, Specialty Crops

Pro Farm Group has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration for RinoTec Technology, a newly developed biocontrol agent designed to combat a wide range of foliar and soil-borne pests. 

This non-synthetic alternative offers growers another option for pest management in row and specialty crops, including corn, potatoes, tree nuts, and vegetables. Pending state registrations, RinoTec-powered products will soon be commercially available.

RinoTec falls under the Insect Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) UNB chemical class, which includes bacterial agents (non-Bt) with an unknown or uncertain mode of action. 

Successful Farming had the opportunity to discuss RinoTec Technology with J.R. Abele, RinoTec bio-controls manager, and Brian Mueller, senior field development manager.

SF: What is the science behind RinoTec Technology?

Abele: RinoTec Technology is an effective insecticide, nematicide, and miticide derived from unique soil microbes. The product is fermented to create biochemical byproducts, which serve as the active components. It  can be applied as a soil treatment in the furrow at planting or as a foliar application. It is effective against various pests in crops like corn and potatoes, including corn rootworm, nematodes, white grubs, wireworms, and seed corn maggots.

SF: What makes RinoTech effective against a range of pests?

Mueller: There are several attributes that make RinoTec effective against various insect families, including sucking and rasping insects, mites, and whiteflies. Within the soil, RinoTec is absorbed by roots and moves through the seedling’s root system providing a zone of protection at an important time in the plant’s development. When applied foliarly, RinoTec exhibits trans-epidermal mobility (TEM), meaning it penetrates the leaf surface and remains active against pests. When ingested by the pest, it acts as stomach poison, stopping pest feeding. However, it has little to no effect on certain insect families, such as Hymenoptera, which includes parasitoid wasps, and bees. 

SF: How long is the product active when applied to corn?

Mueller:  It’s best used as part of an integrated pest management approach for control, as well as a resistance management tactic, rather than as a standalone treatment. It can complement existing pest control methods, including seed treatments, crop rotation, and trait packages. Its effectiveness depends on pest pressure. Our research trials have shown it performs well compared with industry-standard treatments, potentially helping manage resistance in pest populations.

Trials show that using RinoTec on untraited corn results in an average 11% yield increase compared to no control. 

SF: What are the potential benefits to farmers?

Abele: It’s important to note that RinoTec is derived from fermented microbes, producing beneficial biomolecules rather than live organisms for soil colonization. That means it’s compatible with other fungicides and insecticides, requiring no special handling, refrigeration, or mixing precautions. This makes it a practical and stable solution for farmers, with a shelf life of up to three years.

As a farmer and crop protection industry professional, I recognize the potential of biological pest control solutions like RinoTec. If you juxtapose the decline in new insecticide innovations with increased regulation, we’re starting to become overly reliant on too few active ingredients. We’re starting to see greater insect resistance, making it critical to extend the effectiveness of existing technologies. As both a farmer and industry veteran, I see RinoTec as a valuable tool for sustainable agriculture, ensuring productivity and protection against pests.

Our R&D is based in Davis, California, but our manufacturing is actually in Michigan. It’s made in the Midwest. I think that’s important for customers to know. 

SF: What’s next?

Abele: We are moving forward with product launches for the 2026 season, with additional on-farm trials occurring this year. As we continue expanding state registrations, we look forward to providing growers with a new option for effective and sustainable pest management.

Pending final state registrations, three insecticide/nematicide products incorporating RinoTec Technology are expected to be available for the 2026 growing season, with on-farm demonstrations taking place in 2025.

For more information, visit profarmgroup.com or contact a Pro Farm representative.