PhloemAid has developed a control measure for use against phloem bacterial pathogens. Phloem-restricted bacteria cause billions of dollars in damage annually due to lower yield and product quality in crops infected by diseases such as grapevine yellows, citrus greening disease, and lethal yellowing disease in coconuts. Phloem pathogens are associated with diseases in hundreds of plant species, including economically important food crops such as vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals, as well as timber and shade trees.
PhloemAids technology is based on the previously unidentified Frateuria defendens bacterium, which is highly effective against phloem pathogens. The bacterium penetrates the phloem of numerous crops, including citrus, grapes, carrots, sesame, potatoes, tomatoes, and others. It can be introduced into the plant through both the roots (by watering) and the leaves (by spraying). Promising results have been achieved both in laboratory and field experiments in various crops.
PhloemAid is a fully owned subsidiary of COPIA Agro and Food Technologies Fund.
