Biological Control of Plant Diseases

This technology provides early season control of Botrytis in wine grapes. Botrytis is a fungus that affects a wide range of fruit, vegetables and plants including bean, beet, carrot, celery, chicory, crucifers, cucurbits, eggplant, endive, grape, lettuce, onion, pepper, potato, raspberry, rhubarb, rutabaga, shallot, strawberry, tomato, turnip, grapes, kiwifruit and ornamental plants. Our patent protects microorganism Ulocladium oudemansii as a biological control agent for control of botrytis species. Our licensee has developed significant IP around formulation and application of our biological control agent across the wine industry. The NZ wine industry requires zero residue in their wines. Biological control agents like our patented treatment allows for treatment without leaving chemical residues. Additionally, the product can be used by organic producers.