By Melissa Wiese, Sacramento Business Journal

Marrone Bio Innovations Inc. has gotten approval for its biopesticide against invasive freshwater mussels, after testing in Canada and the Colorado River.

The Environmental Protection Agency gave approval for the Davis-based company’s Zequanox, which was derived from a common microbe found in soil and water, according to the company. Until now, there had been no environmentally safe, targeted ways to eliminate invasive zebra and quagga mussels.

“The addition of Zequanox to our product portfolio marks an important milestone for the company, as we expand beyond our agricultural roots into the fast-growing industrial and commercial water markets,” said Pam Marrone, founder and chief executive officer of Marrone Bio Innovations, in a statement.