Abstract

An extract derived from the fungal strain Pseudozyma aphidis significantly enhances plant growth and yield. Greenhouse experiments demonstrate:

  • 20–30% increase in plant height and leaf number
  • 45% increase in average fruit weight
  • ≥120% increase in fruit ripening
  • Flowering advanced by two weeks 

This technology offers a sustainable, high-efficiency green fertilizer solution suitable for conventional and organic agriculture.

Background & Unmet Need

Global food demand continues to rise, while sustainable agriculture requires reducing chemical fertilizer and pesticide usage. Chemical fertilizers, although effective, contribute to soil degradation, water pollution, biodiversity loss, and potential human health risks. 

The organic fertilizer market is growing rapidly, valued at approximately $10 billion in 2021, reflecting increasing demand for sustainable agricultural inputs.

Beneficial microorganisms present a promising alternative, offering environmentally friendly growth-promoting compounds that improve yield while minimizing ecological impact. 

Our Innovation 

The researchers isolated a unique epiphytic yeast strain, Pseudozyma aphidis (L12), demonstrating strong plant growth promotion and yield enhancement effects. 

Key findings:

  • 20–30% increase in plant height
  • 30–50% increase in shoot fresh mass
  • 25–35% increase in root length
  • 25–30% increase in leaf number 
  • 45% increase in tomato yield
  • 100% increase in ripe fruits
  • 2–3 days faster ripening rate
  • 20% more fruits per plant
  • 18% higher average fruit weight 
  • Flowering advanced by two weeks 

The extract is effective when applied by:

  • Foliar spray
  • Seed coating
  • Combined treatment 

Additionally, the strain demonstrates reduced transpiration rates and root elongation effects, further contributing to plant vigor.

Technology 

Briefly describe the approach and the method proposed. Integrate images, if relevant  

  • Isolation of a clean active fraction from a unique fungal strain with growth-promoting activity 
  • Simple and cost-effective production
  • One-step application
  • Sustainable, green fertilizer alternative

Validated in greenhouse experiments on tomato, cucumber, and Arabidopsis plants

Commercial Opportunity

Competitive Advantages

  • Sustainable and environmentally friendly
  • High efficiency in yield and ripening enhancement
  • Reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers
  • Compatible with organic agriculture
  • Simple formulation and scalable production

Market Opportunity

  • General agriculture
  • Organic agriculture
  • Greenhouse cultivation
  • Horticulture and home gardens 

Addresses the fast-growing global organic fertilizer market (~$10B and expanding)

Patents & Publications

Patent Status: Granted in US, China, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, Europe, Israel, India
PCT/IL2011/000420 

Publication:
Shoam et al., 2022, Agronomy 

Contact in Yissum  

Ilya Pittel, Ph.D. | VP of Business Development

AgTech, FoodTech, Veterinary & Environmental Sciences

Yissum, The Technology Transfer Company of

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

T + 972.2.658.6693 | M +972.54.782.2354

Hi-Tech Park, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram