Yissum R&D introduces new yeast based biocontrol agent

In Israel, Yissum Research and Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, had introduced a biocontrol agent that is based on naturally-occurring fungi that increase the plant’s resistance to fungal and bacterial infestations as well as enhances growth.  It is based on a species of the epiphytic yeast Pseudozyma that isolated from strawberry leaves.

Yissum researchers showed that this yeast secretes substances which inhibit several fungal and bacterial pathogens such as powdery mildews, the gray mold that has more than 400 different hosts, crown rust, the black spot disease of cultivated Brassicas and late wilt disease in corn.

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