Invention Summary:
The dollar spot disease is a major challenge for turfgrass fields, especially golf courses. The commonly used solution to control this disease is fungicides, which can be hazardous and limited in effectiveness; thus, the need for an alternative solution is imminent.
Rutgers researchers in the department of plant biology have identified a novel endophyte antifungal protein that can limit the spread of the dollar spread disease. Importantly, the team has also established efficient and advanced protocols for constructing and purifying the E. festucae antifungal protein (Efe-Afp) using Penicillium chrysogenum fungus. Protein analysis have shown a strong efficacy for the isolation and the purification methodology of the protein, which provides a strong platform for a quick and simple mass-production procedures of the protein. In addition, spraying the protein composition on infected plants has proved effective in limiting the spread of the dollar spot disease.
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Market Applications:
• Antifungal protein that can be used to limit the spread of the dollar spot disease in turfgrass fields, which is a robust alternative to the commonly used fungicides.
Advantages:
- Highly effective in limiting the spread of the dollar spot disease in plants.
- Safer alternative to hazardous market solutions.
- Environmentally friendly.
Intellectual Property & Development Status: Provisional patent submitted. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration.
