STK Bio-ag Technologies (formerly Stockton) is at the forefront of biopesticide innovation, driving a new generation of hybrid pest control solutions that unite the strengths of biological agents with synthetic chemistries. This integrated approach has the potential to reshape modern agriculture by offering more sustainable, effective, and flexible tools for growers worldwide.
With growing global demand for crop protection strategies that balance efficacy, safety, and environmental responsibility, STK’s pioneering vision positions it as a key player in the field. Recent strategic partnerships with major industry leaders such as BASF, Syngenta, and Seipasa further highlight the company’s rising influence. To explore these developments, Chemicals Knowledge spoke with STK’s Chief Scientist, Professor Moshe Reuveni.
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STK seems to be in a great place right now! How have the values and mission of the company led you here?
STK was founded and is headquartered in Israel – often called the “innovation nation.” Innovation and sustainable agriculture are truly in our DNA. From the start, our mission has been to advance sustainable crop protection by delivering premium, highly effective products with low chemical residues and novel mechanisms of action (MOA). Beyond crop protection, we also strive to deliver yield benefits, ensuring growers gain added value from our solutions.
Equally important, our products are designed to be flexible, easy to apply, and compatible with a wide range of other active ingredients. These guiding values have enabled us to partner globally and lead in developing next-generation hybrid solutions.
What are the main benefits of biopesticides?
Biopesticides offer a wide range of advantages. First, they are derived from nature—whether plant extracts such as Timorex Gold, which ruptures pathogen cells, or bacteriological solutions like Aviv (Bacillus subtilis), which requires less than half the dosage of comparable products. Crucially, biopesticides contain no synthetic chemicals, are made from renewable sources, and leave minimal crop residues, making treated crops more competitive in both domestic and international markets. This aligns perfectly with the demands of regulators, consumers, and retailers who seek reduced chemical residues.
Another key benefit is selectivity: biopesticides target only harmful pests and pathogens, preserving beneficial insects and mites while promoting both worker and environmental safety.
Importantly, today’s biopesticides are as effective or even more effective than synthetic pesticides in protecting crops and increasing yields. They also play a vital role in resistance management, helping reduce selection pressure on synthetic products. With their multiple modes of action, the risk of pests developing resistance to biopesticides remains low, ensuring long-term efficacy.
Switzerland recently announced that it is considering a total ban on synthetic pesticides – do you think it is feasible to have a world free of synthetics?
The global population is projected to grow from around 7 billion today to nearly 9 billion by 2050. To feed this growing population and prevent widespread food insecurity, global crop yields will need to double—a monumental challenge. Achieving this will require growers to have access to a broad toolbox of solutions. We believe this toolbox must include biopesticides, synthetic pesticides, and hybrid technologies that combine the best of both.
Biopesticides are forecast to grow at an impressive 15–20% annually, compared with just 3% growth for synthetics. If these trends continue, biopesticide use will eventually surpass synthetics, which would be a very positive development for agriculture and the environment. However, we still see a continued need for effective synthetics to complement biological solutions and ensure growers can sustainably meet global food demands.
Can you tell us more about ‘hybrid’ technologies and how they are expected to encourage uptake of biological agents?
STK introduced the world’s first hybrid pesticide, Regev—a ready-to-use “pre-mix” of a botanical biopesticide with a synthetic pesticide. Specifically, it combines Tea Tree extract with difenoconazole in one formulation. This unique pairing brings together the broad-spectrum activity of a natural product with the precision of a site-specific synthetic, delivering multiple modes of action while reducing the overall chemical load compared to conventional mixtures of two synthetics. Regev is also a powerful tool for resistance management and fits seamlessly into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.
Importantly, Regev serves as a bridge product for growers new to biopesticides. It is used exactly like a conventional pesticide—no mixing, no special rotation—yet provides the added benefits of lower residues, better resistance management, and higher yields.
Traditionally, biopesticides were confined to high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables. However, hybrids like Regev have proven cost-effective for row crops (soybeans) and broad-acre crops (corn), expanding their reach. Today, Regev is in use across 10 countries, including Latin America, Israel, Serbia, and the Philippines, with a global rollout already underway.
How are you working with global majors to encourage global distribution of these technologies?
A: To accelerate the adoption of STK’s biological technologies for sustainable agriculture, we have built strategic partnerships with leading companies worldwide. For example, in Brazil, our botanical-based biofungicide Timorex Gold is co-distributed with BASF, a collaboration that has proven highly effective in this major agricultural market. In the United States, our low-dose Bacillus subtilis biofungicide, Aviv, is distributed by Syngenta, further extending its reach.
That said, not all our partnerships are with global majors. STK works with companies of all sizes—large, medium, and small—to bring our innovations to growers worldwide. Our goal is simple: to ensure that sustainable, effective crop protection technologies are accessible wherever they are needed most.
What’s next for STK?
Alongside the continued global rollout of Timorex Gold, Regev, and Aviv, STK is advancing a robust pipeline of new biological solutions designed to help growers meet the challenge of doubling food production by 2050. These upcoming innovations include next-generation biopesticides based on powerful plant molecules and extracts, developed as bio-fungicides and bio-insecticides.
In parallel, we are also developing new hybrid technologies that combine natural active ingredients with proven synthetic chemistries. These hybrids are tailored for a wide range of crops and pathogens, delivering both sustainability and reliability. With this pipeline, STK is committed to equipping growers worldwide with the tools they need for higher yields, safer food, and a healthier planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does STK Bio-ag Technologies do?
STK develops innovative crop protection solutions, specializing in biopesticides and hybrid technologies that combine natural and synthetic active ingredients for effective, sustainable agriculture.
What are ‘hybrid’ technologies?
Hybrids, like STK’s Regev, combine a botanical extract with a synthetic pesticide in one ready-to-use formulation. They reduce chemical load, support resistance management, fit into IPM programs, and serve as an easy entry point for growers new to biologicals.
Where are STK’s products used today?
Products such as Timorex Gold, Aviv, and Regev are distributed globally, with adoption across Latin America, Israel, the Philippines, Serbia, the US, and Brazil, among other regions.
How is STK working with global partners?
STK partners with companies of all sizes. For example, Timorex Gold is co-distributed with BASF in Brazil, while Aviv is distributed by Syngenta in the US, ensuring global reach and grower access.
Can the world eliminate synthetic pesticides entirely?
A complete ban is not currently feasible. Feeding 9 billion people by 2050 requires a toolbox that includes biopesticides, synthetics, and hybrids. However, the use of biopesticides is growing rapidly (15–20% annually) and is expected to surpass synthetics over time.
What’s next for STK?
STK is developing a pipeline of new biopesticides and hybrids, based on plant molecules and extracts, to expand sustainable crop protection options and help growers boost yields.
Conclusion
STK Bio-ag Technologies is pioneering the future of crop protection through its innovative blend of biological agents, synthetic chemistries, and hybrid solutions. With proven products like Timorex Gold, Aviv, and Regev already transforming agricultural practices worldwide and a robust pipeline of next-generation biopesticides and hybrids on the horizon STK is empowering growers to meet the global challenge of doubling food production by 2050.