A Platform Non-GMO Technology for the Bacterial Diseases in Plants of Economic Importance
A Platform Non-GMO Technology for the Bacterial Diseases in Plants of Economic Importance
Recently a publication, title: “Host-derived chimeric peptides clear the causative bacteria and augment host innate immunity during infection: A case study of HLB in citrus and fire blight in apple ”, appeared in the journal of Frontiers in Plant Science.
The research was the result of a collaborative effort involving the New Mexico Consortium (NMC), Texas A&M University, Burke Orchard in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Diverse Vitality LLC, a company founded by NMC scientist Dr. Goutam Gupta.
The study focused on the treatment of Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, in citrus crops and Fire Blight in apple trees. Researchers developed a non-GMO treatment based on plant-derived, non-toxic α/β peptides that can be delivered through a non-genetically modified approach. These peptides directly target and eliminate the bacteria responsible for the diseases, offering a promising alternative to existing management strategies.
Building on these results, NMC and Diverse Vitality LLC, in collaboration with Colorado State University and Groth Vineyards & Winery, conducted additional field studies demonstrating that the α/β peptides are also effective in treating Pierce’s Disease (PD), a serious bacterial disease affecting grapevines.
The successful application of these peptides across multiple crops highlights their potential as a broad-spectrum solution for bacterial plant diseases. Citrus, grape, and apple industries generate significant economic value through both fresh produce and processed products, yet they remain vulnerable to devastating diseases such as HLB, Pierce’s Disease, and Fire Blight. Effective treatment options for these diseases have historically been limited.
The publication demonstrates the potential of a non-GMO, non-toxic, and highly effective approach for controlling these bacterial infections by directly eliminating the causative pathogens. Importantly, the research also revealed an additional benefit of the α/β peptides. As illustrated in the study, the peptides not only clear the disease-causing bacteria but also enhance the plant’s innate immune response during infection, helping plants better defend themselves against disease.
Currently, NMC and Diverse Vitality LLC are working to obtain U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulatory approval to commercialize the α/β peptide technology for the treatment of HLB in citrus, Pierce’s Disease in grapes, and Fire Blight in apples. If approved, this innovative technology could provide growers with a powerful new tool for protecting crops and improving agricultural sustainability.
To read the entire article see: Host-derived chimeric peptides clear the causative bacteria and augment host innate immunity during infection: A case study of HLB in citrus and fire blight in apple
Figure legend: The α/β peptides are designed to lyse and clear the causative gram-negative bacteria. While the pathogenic bacteria tend to mount resistance against plant immune defense, the α/β peptides counter the bacterial resistance by enhancing plant immune defense during infection. This leads to activation of immune signaling PTI/ETI/SA/JA/ET pathways and the production of pathogenesis related (PR) proteins that clear the pathogens and block pathogenesis. PAMP= pathogen associated molecular pattern; PTI= PAMP triggered immunity; ETI= effector triggered immunity; JA= jasmonic acid; SA= salicylic acids; ET= ethanol; PRR= patter recognition receptors; NLR= cytosolic nod-like receptors. The membrane architecture of the gram-negative bacteria is shown highlighted by the conserved lipopolysaccharides and outer membrane porin (OMP).