New formulation for biological control of pests and/or diseases in agricultural crops

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

The Phytopathology research group of the University of Alicante has developed a method to obtain coacervates* in which the main component is a biopolymer (chitosan) which is used as a matrix to encapsulate spores (conidia and/or chlamydospores) of Pochonia chlamydosporia, a nematophagous fungus used as a biological control agent of phytopathogenic nematodes and promoter of crop development and defences.

The selected fungus, Pochonia chlamydosporia, is able to degrade this substrate (chitosan) and feed on it, giving it an advantage over other fungi to grow and colonise the soil and/or crop roots. It also causes the release of the compound from the coacervate to produce toxicity to other chitosan-sensitive microorganisms.

Therefore, the coacervate obtained can be applied to crops as a biological control tool against nematodes and/or insects. It can also be used in veterinary applications for the treatment of intestinal diseases in animals due to nematodes.

The method for producing the coacervate can be summarised in the following steps:

1. Dissolving the chitosan in a weak acid buffer solution. Addition of the Pochonia chlamydosporia fungus spores, followed by stirring until a homogeneous dispersion is obtained.

2. Addition of the homogeneous dispersion from the previous step to an aqueous solution at basic pH, obtaining solid particles of a coacervate formed by the chitosan and the spores by drip.

3. Washing of the coacervates until the pH decreases below 10.

4. Drying of the coacervates.

5. Storage of the coacervates in sterile containers.

(*) Coacervation means the formation of a protective coating or creation of a particle with at least one polymer and one or more cells or spores.

TECHNOLOGY ADVANTAGES AND INNOVATIVE ASPECTS

MAIN ADVANTAGES OF THE TECHNOLOGY

This technology has the following advantages:

• It makes use of chitosan as the main component, a natural biopolymer, thus avoiding the use of chemically synthesised nematicides, many of them being toxic and some even banned;

• This is a simple process, thus avoiding more complex and costly encapsulation processes;

• If the fungus colonises the root of the plants, it prevents other phytopathogenic fungi from doing so;

• Chitosan added to the soil favours the growth of the fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia and also causes the plant to activate its defence systems which joins the action of the biological control agent;

• Chitosan promotes crop growth at low doses;

• The addition of chitosan in the form of coacervates results in a slow release of chitosan and higher doses of concentration can be applied which would not be harmful to plants as is the case when added in liquid form.

INNOVATIVE ASPECTS

The main innovative aspect of the technology is the method used for the formation of chitosan coacervates and fungal spores and their use:

• In agriculture, as a tool for the control of pests and/or diseases in agricultural crops caused by nematodes and/or insects, and;

• In veterinary medicine, for the treatment of intestinal nematodes in animals.

CURRENT STATE OF DEVELOPMENT

The technology is developed at laboratory scale.

COLLABORATION SOUGHT

The research group is looking for companies interested in acquiring this technology for commercial exploitation through:

• Patent license agreements.

• Technical cooperation (R&D projects) to adapt the technology to the needs of the company.

• Proof of concept projects

• Etc.

Company profile searched:

• Biofertiliser manufacturers.

• Manufacturers of bio-stimulants.

• Manufacturers of anti-parasitic medicines for animals.

• Companies in the biological pest control sector.

• Companies in the agrobiotechnology sector.