Gahrda LCT20: an aid to farmers and the EU

Gahrda LCT20 - Product Page

With European agriculture facing increasing regulatory pressure to reduce chemical pesticide use, Gahrda LCT20 offers a scientifically validated, sustainable alternative that combines efficacy with compatibility in Integrated Crop Management (ICM) systems. Instead of only emphasizing the natural sources of this product, our main aim is to build a bridge between EU-legislation and farmers' needs. Farmers have a need for high-quality, effective products to protect their crops, and with that, their jobs and livelihoods. Biological products have been stigmatized to be regarded as "not effective enough", and we are changing that narrative. With innovations like this, we are helping farmers to reach sustainable profitability. To make sure their profession is not in danger, and to supply them with the much-needed alternatives to chemical crop protection products.

The Science Behind Lecithin

Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid derived from sunflower seeds. Its amphiphilic structure—carrying both hydrophobic fatty acid chains and hydrophilic phosphate groups—allows it to interact with water, oils, and biological membranes. These properties explain lecithin’s broad use as an emulsifier in the food industry, but they also provide a unique mechanism of action in agriculture.

When applied as Gahrda LCT20, lecithin forms a protective film on plant surfaces. This film inhibits fungal spore attachment and penetration, effectively creating a physical barrier against common foliar pathogens. At the same time, lecithin interacts with plant cell membranes to trigger natural defense pathways. These pathways activate resistance proteins (PR proteins, phytoalexins) and signaling cascades (jasmonic acid, ethylene), strengthening the crop’s innate ability to withstand infection pressure.

This dual functionality —physical barrier and elicitor effect— sets Gahrda LCT20 apart from conventional fungicides, which typically act through direct toxic effects.

Proven Effectiveness in Crops

Independent field trials and research stations across Europe have demonstrated Gahrda LCT20’s efficacy on a wide range of crops including potato, onion, sugar beet, lettuce, grape, strawberry, and ornamentals. Results consistently show:

Reduced fungal infections before they damage plant tissues.
Improved crop resilience, with stronger and healthier growth.
Yield stability, particularly under high disease pressure.

Farmers report additional practical benefits: improved spray quality, enhanced spreading and persistence on leaves, and easy tank-mix compatibility with other fungicides and biologicals.

Role in Integrated Crop Management (ICM) systems

LCT20’s value extends beyond stand-alone disease prevention. Within ICM strategies, it serves as both:

A preventive biocontrol solution, reducing reliance on synthetic fungicides.
An efficacy booster, improving the performance of complementary fungicide or biostimulant applications through better spray deposition and persistence.
Additionally, Gahrda LCT20 can be combined with the other product from out Gahrda range; Gahrda Chitis. See here an article focused on the complementary benefits and the combined added value of incorporating both products in an application system.

Working Mechanism

Gahrda LCT20, based on sunflower lecithin, protects plants through a dual mode of action that combines a physical barrier with biological elicitation.

On the physical level, lecithin molecules form a thin protective film on the surface of leaves and stems. This hydrophobic layer prevents fungal spores from attaching and penetrating plant cell walls. By disrupting spore adhesion and germination, the barrier function reduces the chances of infection before pathogens can establish. In addition, lecithin’s amphiphilic structure enables micelle formation, which destabilizes fungal spore membranes, further weakening their ability to invade plant tissues.

On the biological level, lecithin acts as an elicitor of the plant’s natural defense system. Its phospholipid components interact with plant cell membranes, activating signaling pathways such as the jasmonic acid and ethylene cascades. This stimulates the production of defense proteins (PR proteins) and antimicrobial compounds (phytoalexins), enhancing systemic resistance throughout the plant. The result is reduced sporulation of pathogens and strengthened resilience against future infections.

Together, these complementary mechanisms ensure that Gahrda LCT20 not only prevents initial fungal penetration but also reinforces the plant’s innate immunity, offering sustainable and long-term protection across a wide range of crops.

Sustainability and Compliance

LCT20 is classified as a basic substance under EU regulation (EC) 1107/2009. This classification underscores its non-toxic profile, absence of residues, and environmental safety. Unlike many conventional pesticides, LCT20 poses no MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) concerns, requires no pre-harvest interval, and is fully biodegradable. It aligns seamlessly with organic farming standards and contributes to sustainable intensification in conventional systems.

Certification under ISO 22000 and HACCP further guarantees product quality, safety, and consistency. Combined with its 100% plant-based origin (sunflower lecithin), LCT20 positions itself as a cornerstone for future-proof agricultural practices.