More seeds develop when a flower is pollinated by a bee than when strawberries are pollinated by wind or gravity. A strawberry increases in size to hold the greater number of seeds. T. harzianum is a Cornell-patented fungal biological control agent that has proven efficacy against a wide range of plant pathogenic fungi. Bioworks Inc., located in Geneva, manufactures large quantities of this biocontrol agent for use as a seed treatment, as an in-furrow preplant additive and for greenhouse use. T22 has received approval by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Toxicity testing on vertebrate species indicates no pathogenic or toxic effect.
However, EPA approval is needed to get the fungus registered for food use on both the strawberries and in beehives that also may be producing honey for human consumption. He said the demand by strawberry growers for bee pollination services already has increased.