The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded its peer review of the pesticide risk assessment for the active substance Trichoderma atroviride 77B, a fungicide proposed for use on solanaceae, strawberry and grapevine, identifying several data gaps that prevent finalisation of the consumer risk assessment and environmental exposure evaluation. The conclusions, published on 24 July 2026, follow an application submitted by Andermatt Group AG on 19 September 2019 to the Netherlands, the rapporteur Member State, for approval under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and for inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 on maximum residue levels (MRLs).
The peer review, initiated on 21 March 2024 after the Netherlands submitted its draft assessment report (DAR) on 22 September 2023, included a public consultation and an expert consultation in areas of mammalian toxicology, residues and ecotoxicology. EFSA found that the proposed uses as a fungicide by foliar spraying on solanaceae (tomato, pepper), strawberry (field, permanent greenhouse and non-permanent protected structures) and grapevine (field) result in sufficient efficacy against target pests. No critical areas of concern were identified regarding identity, biological properties, or physical and technical properties of the representative formulation.
However, in mammalian toxicology, the available evidence was insufficient to exclude the presence of metabolites of concern, creating a data gap. In the area of residues, data gaps were identified for qualitative and quantitative information on potentially toxicologically relevant metabolites, particularly emodin, and their potential in situ production under representative use conditions. A comprehensive literature search was also missing, meaning the consumer risk assessment cannot be finalised. Regarding the MRL application for Annex IV inclusion, EFSA concluded that none of the criteria applicable to microorganisms could be met based on the available data.
For environmental fate, EFSA noted that Trichoderma atroviride 77B may persist and multiply in soil at concentrations considerably higher than natural background levels after repeated field applications. Satisfactory information on viability and population dynamics in natural water and sediment systems was lacking. Environmental exposure to metabolites of potential concern, whether present in the microbial pest control product or formed in situ, remains unaddressed pending further data. In ecotoxicology, EFSA could not conclude on infectivity and pathogenicity for fish and aquatic plants, and the risk assessment for non-target organisms exposed to secondary metabolites could not be finalised.
The assessment impacts several stakeholders. For the applicant, Andermatt Group AG, the identified data gaps mean additional studies are required before approval can be granted, potentially delaying market access and increasing development costs. EU growers of solanaceae, strawberry and grapevine may face continued reliance on conventional fungicides if the substance is not approved, limiting biological control options. EU consumers are affected indirectly, as the consumer risk assessment cannot be finalised, leaving uncertainty about potential dietary exposure to metabolites. EU regulatory authorities, including the European Commission and Member States, will need to evaluate whether the data gaps can be addressed before a decision on approval under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and Annex IV inclusion under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 can be made. The peer review report, including all comments and evaluation tables, is available as a supporting document.