Grant assists in commercialization of methyl bromide alternative

The United States Department of Agriculture awarded AgraQuest a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research grant for "Development of a Volatile-Producing Microorganism for Controlling Post Harvest and Soil-Borne Diseases." Over a period of two years, the $296,000 grant will assist AgraQuest in the commercialization of this biological fumigant. This is a continuation of the $75,000 Phase I research grant awarded in 2003.

The product is based on the novel fungus Muscodor albus, which produces gaseous (volatile) substances that fight plant and human pathogens, insects and nematodes. AgraQuest is developing this product as Arabesque™ (for post harvest fruit, nut vegetable, seed and bulb disease and insect control), Pirouette™  (for pre-plant fumigation of almonds, stone fruit, nursery crops, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries and other crops) and Glissade™  (for greenhouse soil diseases).

Waiting EPA approval, products based on Muscodor have the potential to replace methyl bromide, a fumigant being phased out of use. The product shows excellent results in field trials for both pre-plant uses (such as applications before transplanting peppers and tomatoes) and post harvest prevention and eradication of molds and rots (such as grapes, cherries, tomatoes, peppers, citrus, apples, and others).

Other uses for the biofumigant include applications to control or eradicate food-borne pathogens like Salmonella, E.coli, and Listeria, for grain treatments to control molds, and for treatment of molds in buildings. "We are thrilled that the USDA chose to continue to support us as we move toward commercialization of this novel product with so many potential uses," said Dr. Denise Manker, AgraQuest’s Vice President of Research & Development. 

AgraQuest received Phase I and Phase II SBIR grants from the USDA to support the commercialization of its successful Serenade^® Biofungicide (sold in 12 countries) and Virtuoso™ Bioinsecticide (waiting EPA approval).

AgraQuest is a biotechnology company that focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and marketing effective, safe and environmentally friendly natural pest management products for agricultural, institutional and home markets. In 2003, AgraQuest won the prestigious Presidential Green Chemistry Award from the EPA, for the discovery and commercialization of Serenade Biofungicide. The company recently announced registration of Sonata^® Biofungicide for control of powdery mildew, downy mildew and rust. In 2004, AgraQuest received a Red Herring Top 100 Private Company Award and a World Technology Award for the Environment.