History
1988
In the former Institute for Cultivating Oil and Forage Crops in Malchow on the Baltic Sea island of Poel, scientists were instructed in 1988 to produce the spores of the fungal plant pathogen Sclerotinia trifoliorum. These were to be used for the breeding of resistant cultivars. Propagation of the fungal plant pathogen functioned very well until the pathogen suddenly ceased to grow. A more precise investigation of this circumstance showed that the pathogen itself had been attacked by a micro-organism, namely the fungal parasite Coniothyrium minitans. One of the scientists (Dr Peter Lüth, managing partner of PROPHYTA) was convinced that this fungal parasite had the potential for a natural pesticide process.
1992
To develop a biological pesticide based on Coniothyrium minitans, PROPHYTA GmbH was established in 1992 by Dr Peter Lüth, Heike Pfeffer and Ute Eiben.
1992-1995
By means of intensive research, the highly qualified and experienced employees developed a unique solid-state fermentation technique for the mass production of micro-organisms. They also developed a process for formulating the micro-organisms into easy to apply pesticides.
The technical preconditions for the production of a water dispersible pesticide, which could be applied with standard pesticide sprayers, was achieved.
1997
The development of the first biological fungicide in Germany was completed with the approval of Contans®WG as a pesticide in 1997. For the development of Contans®WG, PROPHYTA GmbH received the Technology Award of the Land of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and also the 1st Prize of the Federal German Minister for Agriculture in the Federal German “Integrated Crop Protection” competition.
1999
The objective of bringing to the market a biological pesticide that could compete in performance, application and price with standard synthetic products was achieved in 1999 with the construction of the production plant.
2000
Start of production on an industrial scale of Contans®WG.
2001
PROPHYTA GmbH introduces a quality management system for the production and marketing of biological pesticides in accordance with ISO 9002.
PROPHYTA GmbH is awarded the Innovation Prize of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania for the development of a process for the solid-state fermentation of filamentous fungi.
The technologies developed for the production of Contans®WG can also be used for the production of other pesticides. On 15 March 2001, PROPHYTA GmbH obtained the licence for the production of a biological nematicide (BioAct®WG) from an Australian company.
2002
In line with ISO 9001, PROPHYTA GmbH extends its quality management system throughout the company.
The managing director of PROPHYTA GmbH, Dr Peter Lüth, received the German Environmental Award for the development and manufacture of biological pesticides.
2003
Marketing of the biological nematicide BioAct®WG starts in the initial countries.
PROPHYTA GmbH becomes a member of the Industrieverband Biologischer Pflanzenschutz eV (IVB eV).
2005 – 2007
The demand for Contans®WG and BioAct®WG continues to rise; by 2007 the production plant reached its full capacity.
2007
Extending the production plant by renting a hall for production of the biological nematicide BioAct®WG.
PROPHYTA GmbH becomes a member of the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA Global), which represents the interests of the manufacturers of biological, non-chemical pesticide products.
2008
Through a variety of optimizing procedures, capacity is increased in stages to 320 t/a. Planning for the extension building continues at the same time. The construction project starts in the final quarter of 2008.
2009
Completion and gradual commissioning of the extended production plant with an annual capacity of around 600 tons.
The IBMA D/A is established as a national subsidiary organization of the global network IBMA Global and replaces the IVB eV.
Despite the challenge of extending production during operation, all sectors of PROPHYTA GmbH are successfully certified simultaneously in accordance with the current DIN EN ISO standard 9001:2008.