Summary
Othman Guenoun
Business Developer
Technology
- The technology involves attractive pheromone molecules to regulate pathogenic fungi in wheat crops, replacing or supplementing current fungicides.
- The project team discovered the value of certain chemical molecules in attracting springtails present in soils. These springtails are capable of feeding on Zymoseptoria tritici and Fusarium graminearum, which affect cereal crops, particularly wheat.
- Functional analogues of this natural pheromone are also being studied for their biocontrol potential.
- Application methods include broadcasting or direct application to the crop. Molecules can be used as powders, solutions, gels or hydrogels, and can be integrated into controlled diffusion devices to ensure gradual release.
Market
- Global biofungicide market: £4 billion in 2032 (CAGR +13%), including 25% for cereals and seeds.
- Conclusive lab tests on wheat contaminated with Z. Tritici and rapeseed contaminated with Fusarium oxysporum.
- Number of hectares of wheat in the EU and US: 40 million ha x €15 (treatment price/ha) = €600 M market.
Development status
- Attraction and consumption demonstrated in Petri dishes.
- Search for a plot for field testing.
IP
- Patent application filed on October 25, 2023
- Publication number: WO2025/088253.
Valorisation strategy
- Licensing
- Startup