Nanocarrier-delivered biogenic solutions for rice blast disease defense

Overview

Convergent Bioscience has developed a cutting-edge solution to address rice blast disease, a significant threat to rice cultivation. By employing bio-compatible nanocarrier systems, including nano-chitosan, this technology delivers biorational active ingredients such as trace elements and bioactive polyphenols directly to plants. These nanocarrier systems can either reduce pathogen populations or induce systemic defense responses, thereby decreasing disease incidence and enhancing plant health and yield. Additionally, the technology shows promise in mitigating abiotic stressors, providing comprehensive plant protection.

Technical specifications

• Nanocarrier technology: Uses nano-chitosan to ensure optimal delivery and bioavailability of active ingredients.
• Active ingredients: Includes trace elements and bio-synthesized polyphenols with proven efficacy in disease reduction and yield improvement.
• Disease control: Demonstrated up to 94% reduction in Pyricularia oryzae populations and reshaping of the plant microbiome.
• Yield and quality improvement: Previous trials showed up to 30% yield increase and significant reductions in harmful elements like cadmium and arsenic.

Technology readiness level

This technology is at Technology Readiness Level 4 (TRL 4). It has shown promising results in laboratory and controlled greenhouse environments. The next steps include expanded testing in lab and greenhouse settings, followed by field trials to validate performance in real-world agricultural environments.