Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) is proud to announce that Ascribe Bioscience, a company founded on BTI technology, has partnered with Nutrien Ag Solutions to commercialize two crop protection products containing Ascribe’s flagship bio fungicide, Phytalix®.
Phytalix was developed from discoveries made at BTI and represents a significant advance in biological crop protection. The product is based on ascarosides, a natural molecule from the soil microbiome. BTI researchers discovered that these molecules trigger robust immune responses in plants, enabling them to combat various pathogens effectively.
Demanded by large-scale growers
“This discovery has profound implications for agriculture. Phytalix is one of the first biological crop protection products with the efficacy and ease of use demanded by large-scale growers,” explains Ascribe chief executive Jay Farmer.
“Unlike traditional chemical fungicides that directly target pathogens, Phytalix works by enhancing plants’ own defenses. This will enable growers to protect their crops and increase yields without harming beneficial soil organisms or the environment.”
Four years of field trials have demonstrated that Phytalix can match or surpass the efficacy of traditional synthetic fungicides.
The product has effectively controlled major agricultural pathogens like Corn Leaf Blight, Asian Soybean Rust, and Fusarium Head Blight in wheat.
Transform crop protection
The results are a boon for crop health and environmental sustainability, offering a path towards reduced reliance on synthetic chemicals in agriculture and providing a critically needed tool to combat the increasing resistance of pathogens to existing fungicides.
A joint development and supply agreement between Ascribe and Nutrien provides for launching Phytalix blends under Nutrien’s Loveland Products brand for US row crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans.
“BTI is thrilled to witness the transition of our scientific research into a practical solution that addresses some of the most pressing challenges in modern agriculture,” says BTI President Dr Silvia Restrepo.
“The potential of Phytalix to transform crop protection while maintaining environmental integrity aligns perfectly with BTI’s mission to advance the understanding of plant biology for the benefit of humanity.”
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Aaron Callahan is the director of IT and Communications at BTI.