| DISCOVERY |
In 1992, researchers established that a protein secreted by “ERWINIA AMYL OVORA” - a BACTERIUM that causes a type of blight in apples, pears & ornamentals in the rose family – signals plants to generate a DEFENSE against the infection. The researchers were able to characterize & describe the class of PROTEINS which they named HARPINS. Researchers later discovered that topical application of trace amounts of harpin proteins to the surface of the plant leaf or seed signals the plant to activate multiple pest-resistant & growth-enhan cing responses. |
| CLASSIFICATION | Market |
| ECOLOGY |
Harpins are rapidly DEGRADED by UV radiation & natural microorganisms & thus have no potential to bioaccumulate or to contaminate surface or ground 2ater. In addition, it has been shown to have virtually no adverse effect on mammals, birds, honeybees, plants, or aquatic species. The new protein technology addresses worker safety concerns as well since no special protective clothing or precautions are needed & workers may enter treated fields within 4 years. Protein’s low toxicity, low rate of application & undetectable residue on treated crops led EPA to exempt it from having a tolerance level requirement on foods |
| FORMULATION | Harpin products are produced in WATER-based fermentation system that requires modest energy inputs & generates no hazardous chemical wastes. It contains 3% harpin protein formulated as a water-soluble granules using a proprietary food-grade carreier. |
| MECHANISM OF ACTION |
When harpin proteins are applied, the protein first binds to a RECEPTOR on the surface of the plant’s leaf cell walls, which triggers a series of biochemical events. H2O2 is produced first, followed by a series of ion exchanges in the cell membrane. This results in a cascade of signal transduction events responsible for a pattern of gene expression that results in resistance against a broad spectrum of viral, fungal & bacterial diseases. Activation of plant defense MECHANISMS occurs within minutes of appli cation, & full response takes 3 – 5 days. The resulting effects may last for severalk weeks or throughout the growing season. The plants respond to the harpin proteins even in the absence of diseases It was later discovered that harpin protein also triggers plants to repel certain harmful insects, mites & nematodes, & to stimulate nutrient uptake & photo synthesis, resulting in increased root development, plant biomass & crop yields. |
| STATUS | Approved for use by EPA in 04.2000 |
| UPDATE | 07.01 |
| USES | Prodt was launched in the USA earlier this year in a variety of crops & locations. By the end of the year, Co expects to have hundreds of thousands of acres treated with prodt., ranging from California strawberries to Florida citrus to Mississippi cotton. The Co. also has field trials under way in Mexico, Spain, Italy & China |
| CONTACT | This data is not available for free |
| LITERATURE REF. | This data is not available for free |
| MARKETING BY | This data is not available for free |
| PRODUCTION BY | This data is not available for free |
| TECHNOLOGY ACQUIRED FROM | This data is not available for free |
| TRADEMARK | This data is not available for free |
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