Futureco Bioscience obtains European Patent for new microbial bionematicide

This innovation leverages on the potent nematicide activity of strain B410 of Metabacillus halosaccharovorans. Preliminary studies in growth chambers, greenhouses, and fields show high nematicidal activity against four species of the Meloidogyne genus and two species of the Globodera genus. These are two of the most widespread and economically significant genera. This research promises an eco-friendly solution to combat nematodes and protect crop yields. Given that global annual losses due to nematodes are estimated at $157 billion, this technology marks a significant progress in sustainable nematodes management. 

Futureco Bioscience, a Spanish biotechnological company that specializes in researching, developing, and manufacturing biological products, has been granted from the European Patent Office a new patent (EP 3934428 B1) for a new microbial bionematicide technology. This patented achievement underscores Futureco Bioscience's investment in research and innovation and the company significant role in advancing the biocontrol manufacturing industry.

This patent acknowledges the innovative strain B410 of Metabacillus halosaccharovorans. Isolated from organic farming soil in Almería (Spain), this strain possesses nematicide properties. Moreover, its mesophilic, neutrophilic, and halotolerant characteristics, along with its strong biofilm production, make it particularly valuable in agriculture, especially in arid regions and saline environments.

While studies are still ongoing, preliminary results have shown that this strain notably inhibits the hatching of nematode eggs. Its effectiveness is particularly evident against root-knot nematodes (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica, M. arenaria, and M. hapla as well as and potato cyst nematodes (PCN) Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida.

The first formulation of the active ingredient has been designed as an Oil Dispersion (OD), that ensures a finely stable dispersion of the active ingredient in a water immiscible solvent. Formulation has been obtained by scalable manufacturing approach using state-of-the-art liquid fermentation technology, designed to maintain a high concentration of the active microorganism, which allowed to achieve levels in the range of 10⁹ CFU/mL.

Carolina Fernandez, R&D Director at Futureco Bioscience, commented: ″Currently, there are no truly effective nematicide products, whether biological or chemical, that can adequately address the issues plaguing the sector. This is largely due to the complex ecosystem in which these diseases thrive: the soil. The nematode-nematicide pairing and the treatment's effectiveness are influenced by soil complex characteristics (type, texture, structure, aeration, moisture content, pH, etc.) and the microbiome proliferating within it. Moreover, each ecosystem has unique populations and species, and a nematicide's efficacy may vary under field and geographical conditions.″ Fernandez continued, "It's crucial to test a microorganism's potential nematicide activity under a broad range of diverse conditions in vitro, then in climatic chambers and greenhouses before field trials. In particular settings, we expect the effectiveness to be compromised to a certain degree. Fortunately, at Futureco Bioscience, our facilities allow us to replicate and test a wide range of scenarios, so we only bring solid and reliable results to the field.″

Futureco Bioscience laboratories in Olérdola, Spain

The dual impact of nematodes: agriculture's hidden saboteurs

Global annual losses due to nematodes are estimated at approximately $157 billion (12% of global agricultural production worldwide). These losses stem from crop damage, reduced yields, and increased production costs. In addition to crop damage, nematode infestations can increase production costs by requiring the use of costly management strategies, such as chemical control. This can add to the financial burden of farmers, particularly those in developing nations with limited resources.

Simultaneously, The Business Research Company's Nematicides Global Market Report 2024 anticipates significant growth in the nematicides market, that it’s expected to reach $2.31 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0%. Factors driving this growth include the expansion of organic farming, precision agriculture, and the impact of climate change. In this sense, merging trends encompass sustainable agriculture certification, biological nematicides, research and innovation, data-driven decision-making, and chemical nematicides.

Metabacillus halosaccharovorans strain B410

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