DEVELOPMENT OF A BIOHERBICIDE AGAINST PARASITIC WEEDS

DESCRIPTION
The invention offers solutions to biologically control the growth of Striga and Orobanche parasitic weeds: using (i) , Azospirillum brasilense, which was deposited at the CNCM (National Collection of Micro-Organism Cultures, Institut Pasteur) or (ii) the biological active metabolites it produces. The Azospirillum brasilense strain has the ability to inhibit in vitro the growth of Striga hermontica and Phelypaea ramosa and, in soil microcosms, to protect sorghum against Striga and stimulate its growth.

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
The bacterial strain Azospirillum brasilense and its biologically active metabolites are able, to stop the elongation of Striga and Orobanche plantlets in vitro (using a microtiter-plate bioassay) and to inhibit the growth of Striga in pot experiments. It is now necessary to test the efficiency of the strain and its metabolites against Striga and Orobanche in the field in order to specify their mode of application (concentration, input frequency, seed coverage or spray etc.) and check for the environmental toxicity of proposed solutions.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Patent pending in PCT, priority date: April 29th, 2014
(FR14 53891)

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTY
Bacterial strain and its biologically active metabolites :
• Are capable to inhibit the elongation of the parasitic procaulome
• Block the growth of the parasite.
• Reduce significantly the level of viable seeds in infested soil.
• Have no toxicity in humans

APPLICATIONS
Agronomy :
• Bioherbicide against Striga and Orobanche parasitic weeds
• Stimulate crop growth in field
• Seed protection

COLLABORATION TYPE
PULSALYS offers to grant patent license and looks for a partnership with an industrial in order to develop a low environmental impact product able to inhibit the growth of parasite weeds.

CONTACT
Tania CSAKI
Email: tania.csaki@pulsalys.fr
Tel: +33(0)4 26.23.56.94