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DAVIS, Calif., Aug. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Energy's
Initiative for Proliferation Prevention Program has approved
$430,000 in funding for a two-year project ``Development of a
Nematode Biocontrol Agent for Agriculture.'' AgraQuest is the
commercial partner for this grant and is eligible to participate as
a member of the United States Industry Coalition, Inc.
The objective of the project is to find an alternative treatment
for nematode-susceptible crops, and reduce the need for conventional
products, which are problematic because of human and environmental
health.
Partnering with AgraQuest are Drs. Elena Stepanova and Elena
Ryabchikova, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology
(``Vector''), New Siberia Region, Russia. Vector will perform
research required for commercialization of a biological control for
plant parasitic nematodes. Vector's greenhouse studies against the
nematode pest Meloidogyne demonstrated that the fungal biocontrol
agent reduced nematode infection in tomatoes and cucumbers by
61-100%. Yields and plant height in treated tomatoes increased 38%
and 50%. AgraQuest is responsible for submission of the registration
package to the U.S. EPA and for commercialization efforts. The DOE
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory administers the grant.
Globally, soil-borne nematodes feed on the roots of crop plants,
causing significant reduction in plant vigor and productivity.
Currently, the standard control method for nematodes are methyl
bromide, organophosphates and carbamates, which are highly toxic to
mammals and other species. The fumigant, methyl bromide, which is
the most widely used nematicide, will be phased out over the next
ten years in many countries because it can contribute to the
destruction of the ozone layer.
The main regions where nematicides are used are the U.S., Central
and South America, East Asia, Central and Southern Europe. In the
U.S., 184 million pounds of fumigants and chemical nematicides were
applied in 1995. 105 million pounds were applied in W. Europe and 53
million pounds in Japan. Crops affected by nematodes and where most
pesticides are used are banana, pineapple, sugar cane, coffee,
citrus, grape, potatoes, tomatoes, tobacco, cotton, sugar beet,
strawberries, and melon. Opportunities in the market exist for
biological nematicides that perform effectively, are relatively easy
to use, and are cost effective. ``We are pleased to have the
opportunity to be the industry collaborator on such a promising
project,'' said Pam Marrone, AgraQuest's CEO.
AgraQuest discovers, develops, and markets effective,
environmentally friendly, and safe natural products for farm, home
and public health pest management. Influential growers,
agribusinesses and internationally recognized venture capital firms
back AgraQuest. AgraQuest has unrivaled experience at quickly
finding and commercializing naturally occurring microorganisms that
can compete with chemicals on performance, reliability, and ease of
use. AgraQuest discovered and commercialized Serenade® Biofungicide
for fruits, nuts and vegetables. Besides Serenade, AgraQuest has a
full pipeline of other bioinsecticide, bionematicide and
biofungicide product candidates for agriculture and home use.
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