About

Novel antifungal  small molecule PA-X1, synthesize in the laboratory and identical to a compound  produced by Pseudozyma aphidis shows potent activity against major crop pathogens, offering a new eco-friendly solution for agricultural plant protection.

Background

Fungal plant pathogens cause significant crop losses worldwide, estimated at over $200 billion annually. Current solutions face challenges including pathogen resistance, environmental concerns, and regulatory pressures. There is a critical need for new antifungal compounds that are effective, environmentally friendly, and can overcome resistance issues.

Our Innovation

PA-X1 is an  antifungal small molecule  synthetically produced and identical to a compound produced by the yeast-like fungus Pseudozyma aphidis with potent activity against major crop pathogens.

  • It was found to be effective against key pathogens:
    • Septoria (Zymoseptoria tritici)
    • Yellow and Brown Rust (Puccinia striiformis and P. triticina)
    • Fusarium Head Blight (FHB)
    • Soybean Rust
  • Demonstrates activity comparable to commercial fungicides in initial tests even before formulation optimization
  • Unique patented structure not previously reported, potentially overcoming existing resistance mechanisms
  • Readily biodegradable: in soil >92% degradation in soil within 1 day, on plant 92% degradation on wheat within 14 days
  • Produced through fermentation, offering a sustainable and scalable manufacturing process

This technology could significantly impact the $23 billion global fungicide market, offering growers a new tool for crop protection that aligns with the increasing demand for biological and sustainable agricultural inputs.

Technology

The compound shows potent antifungal activity, particularly at low pH. Key features of the technology include:

  • Synthetic synthesis protocol
  •  An alternative protocol for isolation from Pseudozyma aphidis  with optimized fermentation process
  • Scalable production demonstrated up to 300L bioreactor scale
  • Downstream processing method developed for compound isolation
  • Activity demonstrated in the field

In our studies, PA-X1 demonstrated dose-dependent control of Septoria, with efficacy levels approaching those of commercial standards. For Yellow Rust, 100% control was observed with efficacy comparable to commercial fungicides. For Ramulariacollo cygni a common disease of barley which can result in significant yield loss if not controlled, the PA-X1 had high efficacy then the commercial product. For Soybean Rust efficacy reached 83% prior to formulation studies.

The below results show efficacy when compared to untreated controls. These promising field results, were achieved without formulation optimization, highlight the strong potential of PA-X1 as a new tool for crop protection.

Opportunity

The researchers are looking for an industry partner to License the technology. Key development areas include:

  1. Further optimization of fermentation and downstream processing
  2. Expanded testing against additional plant pathogens
  3. Formulation development for leaf penetration
  4. Initial toxicology and environmental impact studies

Patents & Publications

  1. PSEUDOZYMA APHIDIS AS A BIOCONTROL AGENT AGAINST VARIOUS PLANT PATHOGENS in National Phase in many countries, PCT/IL2011/000420, Yissum Internal # 3531
  2. Pesticidal Compounds and Compositions, Methods of Use and Processes of Preparation Thereof, National Phase in many countries, PCT/IB2021/057761, Yissum Internal # 7257
  3. fungicidal combinations comprising 2-octyl-2-pentenedioic acid and uses thereof, Provisional Phase, Yissum Internal # 7258