SBIR-STTR Award

Objectives: The endophytic fungus Muscodor albus produces a mixture of low molecular weight volatile compounds that are toxic to other microorganisms. The proposed research will investigate this promising natural biofumigant with potential for use as a safe, biodegradable alternative to methyl bromide and synthetic fungicides in greenhouse soil, preplant soil treatment, and postharvest fruit treatment. Approach: Phase I research will characterize volatile components produced by Muscodor albus and determine their contributions to biological activity. Viability of the fungus in soil under varied physical conditions and determination of the fate of the fungus and its volatiles in soil will also be determined. Evaluation of soil and postharvest fumigation potential and determination of a substrate nutrient package for a prototype formulation will be completed. non-technical summary: Agriculture is in need of safer products to replace methyl bromide and other synthetic fungicides. Soil-borne diseases caused by pathogens such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Verticillium and Phytophthora are a major problem in horticulture, field crop production and greenhouses causing root rots, wilts and loss of vigor and yield. Methyl bromide, a potent ozone-depleting agent being phased out by 2005, is frequently used as a soil fumigant before planting strawberries, tomatoes, peppers and other crops to control soil-borne diseases and pests. Harvested commodities such as fresh fruits are also highly susceptible to fungal decay and often require pre- or postharvest fungicide treatment to reduce losses. Many fungicides for postharvest use are being phased out due to toxicological concerns, and fungicide resistance has become widespread. The endophytic fungus Muscodor albus produces a mixture of low molecular weight volatile compounds that are toxic to other microorganisms. The Phase I research will include determination of conditions conducive to the biofumigant, identification of volatile components required for activity, evaluation of soil treatment and postharvest potential, and investigation of nutritional requirements for a commercially viable preparation. The results of this research will enable this biopesticide to be developed into a safe, biodegradable alternative to methyl bromide and synthetic fungicides for pre-plant soil treatment, greenhouse uses and postharvest fruit treatment.

Keywords:
fumigant; fungus; natural product; biopesticide; postharvest; biofumigant; plant disease; soil-borne diseases

Agriculture is in need of safer products to replace methyl bromide and other synthetic pesticides. Soil-borne diseases caused by Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Verticillium and Phytophthora are a major problem in horticulture, field crop production and greenhouses causing root rots, wilts and loss of vigor and yield. Methyl bromide, a potent ozone-depleting agent being phased out by 2005, is frequently used as a soil fumigant before planting strawberries, tomatoes, peppers and other crops to control soil-borne diseases and pests. Harvested fresh fruit commodities are highly susceptible to fungal decay and often require pre- or postharvest fungicide treatment to reduce losses. Many fungicides for postharvest use are being phased out due to toxicological concerns, and fungicide resistance has become widespread. The purpose of this project is to develop a naturally occurring fungus into a non-toxic, effective alternative to synthetic pesticides for outdoor soil, greenhouse soil and postharvest treatments. The fungus Muscodor albus produces a mixture of low molecular weight volatile compounds that are specifically toxic to other microorganisms. This research will demonstrate the commercial potential of the biofumigant in greenhouse soil, pre-plant soil applications and postharvest disease control in citrus, pome fruit, berries and grapes. Commercial development of this biofumigant will provide an effective new tool compatible with sustainable integrated pest management and organic food production.