Natural bug killer Bio-Gene Technology says new studies show its Flavocide insecticide product is unlikely to hurt innocent bees.

It’s good news for the stock, which has now recovered all the ground it lost in March after French animal health company Virbac said it was “unlikely to proceed with developing products with Flavocide at this stage” following earlier test data.

Bio-Gene Technology listed in November 2017, raising $7.1 million at 20c a share to develop its range of anti-resistance pesticides.

The stock fell as low as 12c in March, but is now back at around 19c.

Bio-Gene (ASX:BGT) is an agtech developing insecticides containing naturally-occurring chemicals known as beta-triketones.

It recently conducted toxicity studies according to OECD protocols to test whether its Flavocide product posed a high-level of risk to bees — which as major pollinators of agricultural crops must be protected.

Tests through oral ingestion and topical contact showed Flavocide was relatively non-toxic for bees. Its toxicity profile means it’s unlikely the product will have to carry a warning label about the impact of the insecticide on pollinating insects.

Bio-Gene Technology (ASX:BGT) share price, past six months.

So far the product has shown potential to get rid of nasties when growing cereal, fruit and vegetables.

Bio-Gene chief executive Richard Jagger told Stockhead the bee-safety test was just one piece of a broader process of collecting data on the insecticide product.

“In terms of next steps, we have a range of additional testing programs underway on the safety and performance of the product, across a range of pests; plus we will look to complete the manufacturing project with CSIRO.

“Building the body of positive data, is really important for our engagement with potential commercial partners,” Mr Jagger said.