...developing
a revolutionary technology to grow
a natural predator
for nematodes

Plant-parasitic nematodes are agriculture’s largest unmet pest problem.

These microscopic worms attack plant roots, causing an estimated $100 billion in worldwide crop damage annually. There is a large pent-up demand for an effective, low-cost nematicide.

Pasteuria penetrans, a parasitic soil microbe that infects and kills nematodes, can meet the need for such a product now that cost-effective production methods are available. These bacteria attack only specific, targeted nematodes, and are highly durable, requiring no special handling or storage conditions, unlike many other biological control products. The active component of Pasteuria is its endospore, the most robust life-form known, resistant to heat, drying, shearing and freezing.

Pasteuria Bioscience, Inc. is commercializing a revolutionary new technology that allows the rapid and cost-effective agrowth of multiple strains of Pasteuria penetrans in traditional commercial fermentation tanks using esily available growth media. This in vitro production process will enable the launch of a less expensive and more effective nematicide, which will not only replace methyl bromide and other chemicals, but will also enable control of nematode problems for which there currently are no safe or cost-effective treatment options.

Advantages of Pasteuria as a Nematicide

Pasteuria is highly infectious and lethal to nematode populations.

Pasteuria only attacks specific, targeted nematodes. It does not harm other organisms.

Pasteuria has a low production cost.

There are no contamination risks to soil or the water table, and no toxic residues on the crop. It has no known human exposure risks.

Ease of Formulation, Handling, and Application

Pasteuria spores are not damaged by drying. They can be stored for long periods at room temperature. Current estimates suggest that less than one quart of formulated product per acre will achieve effective nematode control. The product will be easy to apply with conventional application equipment.

The product’s mode of action makes the development of resistance unlikely. Most available nematicides must be applied to the soil before planting, because the chemicals would otherwise harm the plants. By contract, the Pasteuria product will not damage the plants, and can be applied at any time.

                                                                                       © 2008, Pasteuria Bioscience, Inc.