New Biological Control for Fusarium Head Blight

Technology Description:

The invention relates to two microbes from the Bacillus species that effectively control head scab of wheat, also known as Fusarium head blight, a devastating cereal disease. Fusarium head blight, which caused U.S. farmers more than three billion dollars in damages during the 90s, is caused by a fungus, Fusarium graminearum. The fungus infects heads of mature cereal plants–especially wheat and barley–causing the kernels to shrivel, reducing grain yields. These new microbes reduce infection by the pathogen and impact of the pathogen on developing grain. The microbes discovered can be grown easily in culture. This biological control of Fusarium head blight is a safe alternative to chemical pesticides typically used to treat infected crops.

Reference:

Please refer to Patent Number 6,312,940, "Bacillus Species for Reducing Fusarium Head Blight in Cereals," which issued November 6, 2001, and S.N. 09/414,200, "Bacteria and Yeasts for Reducing Fusarium Head Blight in Cereals and Selection Thereof," which was filed on October 7, 1999.