Phages against bacteria infecting tomatoes
Technology description
| The name of the technology: | Phages against bacteria infecting tomatoes |
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| Challenge: | The European regulation on the use of chemicals to protect crops against pests, bacteria and viruses clears the way for the development of new bio-friendly products. We have focused on the area of tomato protection using phages against various strains of Xanthomonas. The commercial use of phages is not limited to tomatoes, but is also very useful for extending the shelf life of potatoes. However, the application of phages is much broader and goes beyond agricultural use. |
| Description: | Currently, a bacteriophage-based biopesticide against X. campestris and Pseudomonas syringae is marketed by Omnilytics, UT, in the United States under the name AgriPhage. No similar product is manufactured or used in Europe or the Czech Republic. Our institute is the discoverer and owner of a unique phage isolated from the Czech Republic, which has high lytic ability and can be used against strains of Xanthomonas sp. found in the Czech Republic/Europe. The advantage of this crop protection method is that no chemical intervention is required, no hazardous residues remain after the treatment effect is achieved, and there is no risk to the environment or human health. NGS sequencing, virus selection, specificity and activity of viruses on Xanthomonas bacteria were performed, purification and phage concentration were optimized and stability was tested. Laboratory and field tests were then performed. Selected phages were deposited in an international collection of organisms. |
| Commercial opportunity: | The research results are being used commercially by tomato growers to treat production against Xanthomonas strains. Treatment with phages does not reduce tomato yield due to infection. |
| IP protection status: | a patent application has been filed |
| Development status: |
Phase 1Corresponds with TRL1 and TRL2. Basic research. A pure research based on the already observed and published facts.
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| Partnering strategy: | Collaboration licensing |
| More information: | Commercial use requires product registration and manufacture to GLP standards. BC is able to assist with retrofitting and maintenance during the production launch. The goal is to license or sell the technology and know-how. |
| Images: | No picture inserted |
| Categories: | Environment and Climate Agriculture Plants and Agriculture |
| Owner of a technology: | Biologické centrum Akademie věd ČR, v. v. i. |
