Peptide breakthroughs are changing global agriculture

Date:12-26-2024

Research into agricultural peptides began roughly two decades ago, catalyzed by the first plant genome sequencing in 2000. Since then, peptides and protein hydrolysates have become subjects of extensive study. 

Peptides are short-chain molecules comprising 2-50 amino acids linked by peptide bonds. The specific sequence of amino acids along the peptide chain determines their unique functions, significantly impacting plant quality and yield. Peptides can be produced through protein degradation or synthetic processes, and have been developed into functional products by many companies.

Peptide technologies are emerging as breakthrough solutions for plant protection and crop health, offering distinct advantages. Over the past year, AgroPages has reported on peptide-based products and related companies. These reports highlight peptides' great potential in immune system activation, pest control, micronutrient delivery, and plant growth promotion, while revealing multinationals' strategic initiatives and technical partnerships.

Below, the key technological advances and product innovations demonstrate peptide technologies' transformative potential in agriculture.

Multinationals’ collaborations on immune-activating peptides

Elemental Enzymes and Genvor have drawn attention from Adama and Bayer respectively for their peptide-based technologies that enhance plant immune systems and disease control.

″Within the plant world, peptides are key regulators of growth and immune system function,″ explained Michelle Leslie, Ph.D., R&D Director of Plant Directed BioControl at Elemental Enzymes. ″Peptides can act as hormones, communicating among plant cells to guide growth and development, as an alert system for an intrusive pathogen, or as a signal that the plant is wounded from insects, wind or hail. Other peptides carry antimicrobial properties that stop bacteria from destroying cells.″ 

This technology has led to a partnership with Adama to introduce an innovative biofungicide to the Australian market. The product, launching in 2026, will employ Elemental Enzymes' patented peptide technology to combat fungal diseases, such as Septoria tritici and Septoria nodorum in wheat. By stimulating natural plant defenses, this biofungicide will complement Adama’s existing chemical solutions while addressing pathogen resistance concerns.

Bayer has recognized Genvor's potential and awarding them their first Golden Ticket, granting access to lab space and equipment at Bayer's LifeHub California @AgStart.

Genvor specializes in antimicrobial peptides, conducting extensive research to identify weak links in plant DNA sequences. They use antimicrobial peptides to make genomic modifications to enhance disease resistance and/or nutrient absorption from seed to sprout. According to Genvor, plants naturally produce antimicrobial peptides to combat pathogens, but these peptides lack the ability to adapt. Genvor's crop-specific peptides address this challenge by directly destroying pathogens at the cellular level, and eliminating resistance risks. The company has secured US patents for nine peptides, with sixteen more pending.

Nematode control with peptides, a new frontier

Plant Health Care (PHC) has introduced TEIKKO, a nematicide specifically targeting Pratylenchus brachyurus, a major threat to Brazilian soybean production. This innovative product can be applied to seeds without interfering with other necessary chemical or biological products.

TEIKKO contains peptides derived from Harpin protein – PDPH. It stimulates gene expression involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, reducing nematode root attacks and inhibiting egg hatching. This protection enhances root development, improving water and nutrient absorption throughout the season. 

PHC reported that the field trials have demonstrated superior performance compared to standard biological nematicides, with yield increases averaging 6.4 bags/ha.

Expanding registration and production of peptide-based insecticides

Vestaron's SPEAR LEP has received emergency use authorization in Greece, Italy and Cyprus to combat the tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta), a devastating pest in Mediterranean Europe. Classified as IRAC Group 32, this peptide-based solution offers a sustainable alternative for tomato growers.

In the Americas, Vestaron has secured Mexican COFEPRIS approval for their BASIN insecticide, following the US EPA registration. BASIN's active ingredient, derived from modified spider venom, offers effective pest control while protecting pollinators and beneficial insects. The product has a 4-hour re-entry interval, 0-day pre-harvest interval and MRL exemption.

To meet growing demand, Vestaron has established a strategic partnership with ADM for the production of their peptide-based products, leveraging ADM's manufacturing capabilities, and ADM’s facilities with easy access to raw materials and distribution channels.

BIOCHELATION, new concept of green chelation

HELLO NATURE's Iron Biochelate, registered under the REACH regulation in Europe, represents a new concept of green chelation. Its BioChelation technology utilizes plant-derived protein hydrolysates composed of peptides that form stable bonds with positively charged metal atoms through multiple binding sites. The peptides take a 3D form around the metal, creating a strong and biologically stable ring structure, known as BioChelation. It improves the solubility and bioavailability of the metal.

Source: HELLO NATURE

The Biochelation offers several advantages over traditional chelates:

• Completely biodegradable without microplastic release

• Leaving no residues in the soil or in the crops

• No heavy metal chelation in the soil

• Both nutritional and biostimulant action (traditional synthetic chelates are only a carrier of micronutrients)

• Enhanced stability through multiple chelation sites

• Peptide-metal bond stronger than traditional amino acid complexation

  
  

As peptides provide increasing benefits in agriculture, industry leaders are intensifying their R&D investments, bringing innovative technologies to the markets. Novel peptide-based products will be discussed at the upcoming 6th Biopesticides, Biostimulants and Biofertilizers Summit (BioEx 2025). Contact us to present your cutting-edge peptide technologies at the event.

Contact:

Christina Xie

Co-partner & Editor-in-chief at AgroPages

Email: christina@agropages.com

Mobile/ WhatsApp/ WeChat: +86-18806513367

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