Pore forming protein development platform for the use in agricultural pest control
Novel mode of action
We focus on the development pore forming proteins (PPFs) due to their novel mode of action - inflicting damage to cells by binding to lipid targets in the cell membrane. Due to the unique lipid interaction we expect efficacy to hold in the long term - an important quality for any pesticide active ingridient.
Application through PIP
We have deployed our first protein formulation in a potato plant to examine its effectiveness as plant incorporated protection (PIP) against the Colorado potato beetle. The transgenic potato exhibited impressive defense against the pest, showcasing the potential of PPFs as biocontrol agents.
In late 2024 will be excited to showcase the performance of an improved protein based defense complex on our first PlyA / PlyB transgenic corn plant with a built in defense against Coleopterans incl. the Western Corn Rootworm.
Transgenic crop development pipeline
Pestevene is working on a pipeline of transgenic crops with built in defense against agricultural pests that is based on our protein complexes. We believe that plant incorporated protection is an important tool in the transition of the agricultural industry towards net zero as well as allows for production efficiency that does not harm the environment.
