Marrone Bio Innovations Files for New BioFungicide Patent

Downy Mildew - Photo credit: Andy Wydenandt

Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (MBI), a provider of natural pest management products, has submitted a patent application for a new Bacillus sp. strain F727, to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The strain was first discovered from soil collected in California by one of MBI’s employees. The chemistry and genetic profiles appear to be unique from other known Bacillus species. In addition, the anti-fungal compounds produced by this strain are different than the current commercial Bacillus biofungicide products.

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In comparison, tests with commonly used chemical fungicides show that the new strain has a high level of activity against a broad range of fungal and bacterial plant pathogens such as downy mildew.

According to Phyllis Himmel, MBI vice president of R&D, Bacillus sp. strain F727 shows consistent fungicidal activity against Botrytis gray mold and downy mildews in plant tests. “We are excited to move this candidate to field trials on a broad range of crops in 2013,” she said.  “The strain has also shown activity beyond plant disease control. Additional work is in progress to explore its usefulness as a plant growth promoter in crops such as corn, soybeans, tomatoes and turf.”

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