Chemical fungicides, for years considered a miracle solution against plant pests, are losing their effectiveness. Pathogens are becoming stronger, while the environment is paying the price. But now, thanks to Biotalys, there may be a better answer: Agrobodies. These antibody-inspired proteins are designed to protect crops from fungi without leaving chemical residues or harming the environment. The first biological fungicide based on Agrobodies could change the landscape of crop protection. And it doesn't stop there.
The Chemical Fungicide Crisis
For decades, chemical fungicides have been the main weapon against plant pests. However, their large-scale use has led to serious problems of resistance. Pathogens adapt quickly, become stronger and, consequently, their elimination becomes increasingly difficult. Not to mention that the environmental damage caused by the continuous use of chemicals is now clear for all to see: pollution of groundwater, damage to pollinating insects and negative impacts on soil health. It is clear that new solutions are needed, more sustainable and less harmful to the ecosystem.
Agrobodies: A New Hope for Agriculture
Le Agrobodies represent a revolution in the world of fungicides. These are proteins inspired by antibodies, developed to fight specific plant pathogens without resorting to harmful chemicals. The concept is fabulous: giving plants the natural power to react to external attacks, instead of “bombarding” them with chemicals. These proteins act in a targeted way, attacking the fungus and neutralizing it, without leaving residues in the soil or fruits. The first product based on this technology, EVOKE, has demonstrated its effectiveness in over 600 field tests, managing to control botrytis with results comparable to the best chemical fungicides, but without the negative side effects.
Agrobodies are proteins designed to fight specific plant pathogens, much like antibodies do in our bodies.
How did “bio-antibodies” for plants come about? The approach is similar to that used in medicine for the creation of drugs. First a specific target is identified on the pathogen, then a protein is developed that can attack it in a targeted way. This process It was inspired by the heavy chain antibodies of camelids, such as llamas, known for their effectiveness. The result? An organic fungicide that is not only powerful, but also safe for the environment and human health.
Versatility and sustainability of Agrobodies
- Agrobodies are not only effective, but also extremely versatile. They can be used to protect a wide variety of crops, from grapes to strawberries, from cucumbers to ornamental plants. Their mechanism of action allows for the development of highly specific solutions for each type of pathogen. In addition, being biodegradable, they rapidly degrade into amino acids once their action is complete, without leaving harmful traces for the environment. This makes them, as mentioned, an ideal option for farmers who want to reduce the ecological impact of their crops.
The differences with fungicides? Many and crucial
Among the main advantages of Agrobodies compared to traditional fungicides is the possibility of developing products with different mechanisms of action. This means that, unlike chemical fungicides that often have a single point of attack, Agrobodies can hit the pathogen on multiple fronts. Kevin Helash, CEO of Biotalys, emphasizes how the company is working to create biological fungicides with multiple modes of action, in order to make it much more difficult for pathogens to develop resistance. An approach that recalls the one adopted in human medicine to combat antibiotic resistance.
A Greener Future for Agriculture
The importance of Agrobodies is not limited to their effectiveness against pathogens. These biological fungicides represent a sustainable solution for the agriculture of the future, capable of responding to the growing environmental concerns related to the use of chemical pesticides. In a context in which many countries are banning the use of numerous active ingredients, solutions such as EVOKE could become essential to ensure agricultural productivity without compromising the health of the planet. Biotalys hopes to gain approval in the United States in 2024 and in the European Union in 2025, thus paving the way for a new era of crop protection.