PURE mineral elicitor technology for pre- and postharvest crop protection

Overview

PURE is a mineral-based elicitor technology designed to improve crop care through pre- and postharvest treatment. It functions as a three-in-one solution: inducer of plant metabolism, activator of plant defense responses, and enhancer for pathogen control. The technology provides non-specific resistance to more than 45 tested pathogens by activating plant pathogen-dependent metabolites, while also increasing the efficiency of over 300 enzymes, including those involved in photosynthesis.

Key benefits include a 30-50% reduction in chemical fungicide use, which translates to lower residue levels on crops. Comprehensive field and greenhouse trials have demonstrated 5-10% enhanced crop yields alongside improved postharvest quality. PURE also offers a very low global warming footprint, contributing to decreased carbon footprint in agricultural operations. The technology is versatile and can be applied for seed coating, on plants, fruits, soil, and for both pre-harvest and post-harvest protection.

Technical specifications

• Multi-mode action: Functions simultaneously as a metabolism inducer, defense activator, and pathogen control enhancer
• Broad-spectrum efficacy: Tested against more than 45 pathogens across 14 different crops
• Enzyme enhancement: Significantly increases efficiency of over 300 enzymes, including photosynthesis-related enzymes
• Application versatility: Suitable for seed coating, foliar spray, soil treatment, and postharvest protection
• Compatibility: Tested with 75 commercially available plant protection products covering 45 active substances including PA, MBC, SDHI, QoI, QiI, AP, PP, and DMI
• Safety validated: Ecotoxicology testing per OECD No. 201, 202, 211; cytotoxicological assessments via MTT and LDH protocols; mutagenic testing per Ames Standards (EC B.13/14, OECD 471)
• Low environmental impact: Global warming footprint of 2.25 CO2 equivalent per hectare

Technology readiness level

PURE formulations were developed in collaboration with Battelle Ltd, USA, following CIPAC norms. Registration field trials were conducted from 2019 to 2022 across wheat, soybean, sugar beet, oilseed rape, strawberries, apples, and potatoes in Poland, Germany, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and the USA. The technology is currently patent-pending.

Future validation efforts include developing formulations specifically for postharvest use on soft fruits and green leaf vegetables. Planned metabolomics-based studies using LC-MS, GC-MS, and 1H NMR techniques will validate formulation stability, biological functionality, and microbiological performance. The team is also exploring integration with polymers for antimicrobial smart packaging. This validation phase is estimated at 6-9 months. The organization is seeking partnerships to support regulatory validation in the USA and Brazil and to accelerate market launch.