Biodegradable Plant Pathogen

About

An increased global opposition to the use of harmful chemicals to control plant pathogens as well as a movement toward more natural and organic farming practices has led to a growing need for natural biocontrol agents. Researchers at Stellenbosch University have identified and formulated innovative natural compositions for use as highly effective biodegradable antifungal and antibacterial biocontrol agents, named biopepcides.   The antimicrobial compositions: - Are bio-degradable natural compounds leaving only breakdown products with nutritional value for plants in the environment; - Are cost effective with high levels of both crude and fine chemical grade production; - Exhibit multiple modes of action, thereby limiting the resistance potential of the biopepcide fungicides/microbicides to a minimum; - Have the potential to combat fungal plant pathogens, such as Black Foot Disease (caused by Cylindrocarpon spp); Grey Mould (caused by Botrytis spp) and Petri Disease (caused by Phaeomoniella spp). Marketing Opportunity: Microbial infection of fresh produce is a huge threat to the food industry and causes a significant reduction in both the yield and quality of fresh produce. Pre-harvest infection results in losses of approximately 16% in global food production each year, while post-harvest infections result in losses of up to 50%. Current methods of treatment include low temperature storage, biocontrol and chemical treatments. Some pathogens are, however, capable of operating at temperatures just above freezing, and many chemical biocides lose their potency against pathogens over time due to microbial resistance. There is thus a need for a biocontrol agent with a broad spectrum of activity, as well as a limited resistance potential. The antimicrobial biocontrol compositions of this invention provide just that. Technical description: Biodegradable natural antimicrobial compositions aimed at combating fungal plant pathogens, including two of the most destructive fungal diseases associated with grapevine decline, namely Black Foot Disease, Botrytis Rot and Petri Disease. There is currently only one chemical product on the market that claims to inhibit the growth of both bacterial and fungal pathogens, but it sometimes interferes with plant development, especially in grapevine tissue culture. Alternatives to chemical microbiocides, such as microbial biocontrol agents, provide an environmentally friendly alternative to protect produce. But in a changing environment, the efficacy of biological control is unpredictable and cannot guarantee protection against microbial pathogens. The biocontrol agents of this invention have a broad spectrum of activity that can ensure the establishment of high-quality planting material and also protect produce during postharvest storage. Production of these agents can be modified in order to target specific pathogens and organisms, and such production can be done cost effectively, with potential for large scale production. The mechanism of action of these biocontrol agents ensures the low resistance potential of the pathogens being attacked.   Innovation Status: Both in vitro studies and simulated field trials have been completed. Larger scale field trials are now in progress. Laboratory scale production has been optimised and simplified purification protocols have been developed for both agricultural grade and fine chemical grade products.