August 24, 2000 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Initiative for Proliferation Prevention Program has approved $430,000 in funding for a two-year project to develop biological control of nematodes. The objective of the project is to find an alternative treatment for nematode-susceptible crops in order to reduce the need for conventional products, which may pose problems for human and environmental health.

Partnering in the project with Davis, CA-based AgraQuest are Drs. Elena Stepanova and Elena
Ryabchikova, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology ("Vector"), New Siberia Region, Russia. The scientists at Vector, href="http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/ancient-microorganisms.html">once a top secret biological warfare research facility in the Soviet Union, will undertake research required to commercialize a biological control for plant-parasitic nematodes. Vector's greenhouse studies of the nematode pest Meloidogyne demonstrated that the fungal biocontrol agent reduced nematode infection in tomatoes and cucumbers 61 to 100 percent. Yields and plant height in treated tomatoes increased 38 and 50 percent, respectively.

AgraQuest is responsible for submitting the registration package to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and for commercialization efforts. The DOE Pacific Northwest National Laboratory administers the grant.

Soilborne nematodes feed on the roots of crop plants, significantly reducing plant vigor and productivity. Currently, the standard control method for nematodes is methyl bromide, organophosphates and carbamates, which are highly toxic to mammals and other species. The fumigant methyl bromide, which is the most widely used nematicide, will be phased out over the next 10 years in many countries because it can contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer.

The main regions where nematicides are used are the United States, Central and South America, eastern Asia and central and southern
Europe. In the United States, 184 million pounds of fumigants and chemical nematicides were applied in 1995. In Western Europe, 105
million pounds were applied, and 53 million pounds in Japan.

Crops affected by nematodes and where most pesticides are used are banana, pineapple, sugarcane, coffee, citrus, grape, potatoes,
tomatoes, tobacco, cotton, sugar beets, strawberries and melons. Market opportunities are promising for biological nematicides that are effective, relatively easy to use and cost-effective. "We are pleased to have the opportunity to be the industry collaborator on such a promising project," said Pam Marrone, AgraQuest's chief executive officer.

The company developed Serenade biofungicide for fruits, nuts and vegetables, which has been registered for use in the United States on vines, fruits, vegetables, hops, peanuts and walnuts.

The biofungicide is also registered for use on cucurbits, leafy vegetables, peppers, tomatoes, cherries and walnuts. It is effective against a number of other economically important diseases, including other powdery mildews, downy mildews, early blight and walnut blight.

AgraQuest and FMC de Mexico recently signed an accord to launch
Serenade biofungicide against vegetable and fruit diseases in Mexico.

AgraQuest also has filed for U.S. and international patents on the discovery of a natural product that enhances the effectiveness of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as a bio-insecticide.

For AgJournal background on the search for better methods of nematode control, see also:

• New sugar beets defeat nematodes
  
• Cyst nematode breakthrough
  
• Nematode-resistant soybeans to be released in 2001
  
• Biosolids product suppresses soybean cyst nematode