Agrochemicals/Biocides

Microbial-based insecticide that targets sucking and chewing insects, flies, and mites on a variety of conventional crops (fruits, vegetables, etc.). This microbial-based bioinsecticide contains several active compounds that act in many ways to protect crops from insects, flies, and mites. It also repels, stops feeding, reduces reproduction, and induces mortality of these pests. The technology has been shown to control up to 99% of pest populations in tests. The insecticide saves time, requiring only a 4-hour re-entry interval and minimum need for PPE.

RNA synthesis for highly specific pest control. This technology targets the destructive organism and leaves beneficial insects unharmed. RNA also breaks down quickly in the environment and is undetectable after 4 days. This technology uses a proprietary cell-free methodology that enables the delivery of high volumes of Technical Grade Active Ingredient (TGAI) dsRNA that costs less than $1 per gram to produce. Its application is also scalable and flexible for existing manufacturing processes.

Termite colony elimination system. This technology uses a hexaflumuron bait system that keeps termites from molting (shedding their exoskeleton), a process they must undergo to survive. Conventional termite control uses large volumes of pesticides in large areas of soil surrounding houses or buildings to create a barrier, which is wasteful, contaminates soil, and exposes hazardous chemicals to humans. These liquid treatments also only kill a fraction of termites, and the remaining population can move under or around the barrier.

Encapsulated Spinosad. While Spinosad is a popular, more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional pesticides, it degrades quickly in water and thus cannot be used to eliminate mosquito larvae. This product aims to combat the flaws of Spinosad, utilizing a matrix that protects the molecule of Spinosad and slowly releases the pesticide into the aquatic environment. Although Spinosad remains unstable, its lifespan in water increases to up to 180 days, improving its aquatic efficiency.

Supplemental component to fertilizer mixtures that improves their absorption by plants and diminishes environmental hazards by maximizing nitrogen availability in the plants' root zone; consists of aqueous, microcapsule suspensions that are compatible with popular nitrogen fertilizers. Fertilizers are a major cause of air and water pollution. This product retains nitrate-based fertilizers in the plants' root zone, increasing the fertilizers' efficiency and decreasing the fertilizers' leaching into the soil and water.

Pesticide produced from Saccharopolyspora spinosa that can effectively combat pests in many fruits and vegetables plantations. Traditional chemical pesticides negatively impact the environment and human health and allow pests to become resistant. Spinosad is readily biodegradable, has low mammalian and avian toxicity, and does not pose risks of groundwater contamination. Saccharopolyspora spinosa metabolizes spinosyn A and D (commonly known as Spinosad), which kills insects by attacking their neural systems.

Protein-based formulation to replace traditional pesticides. This product is non-toxic and biodegradable, enhances plant growth, and enables higher production yields. It achieves this by creating proteins called harpin that intensify the plants' defense system and enhance plant growth without altering genetic material. Harpin also boosts photosynthesis, nutrient absorption, and root growth. The manufacturing process does not rely on organic solvents and hazardous chemicals and only generates highly biodegradable byproducts as waste. 

Bayer CropScience developed a microbial fungicide for fruits and vegetables that produces lipopeptides to combat the growth and development of fungi. This technology is made of QST-713, a soil bacterium that protects the plant by creating a protective layer on the surface of the plant leaf (preventing the attack of pathogens) and producing multiple different lipopeptides (iturins, agrastatins/plipastatins, and surfactins) that inhibit the development of fungi by different mechanisms of action. The combined properties of Serenade® make it an effective and specific fungicide.

Dow/Corteva™ developed a biopesticide for pests in tree fruits, tree nuts, small fruits, and vegetables called Spinetoram. Corteva™ used the principles of green chemistry to develop a synthetic pathway for the synthesis of spinetoram. Spinetoram is a combination of 3'-O-ethyl-5,6-dihydro spinosyn J and 3'O-ethyl spinosyn L and can be produced in a low-impact synthetic route from spinosyns J and L. These two compounds are naturally occurring fermentation products with minimal environmental damage. Most catalysts, solvents, and catalysts in the synthesis process are recycled.