More New Zealand researchers are seeking ways to control the parasitic "grey mould" fungus that causes diseases on a wide variety of food crops.
Botrytis cinerea, commonly known as bunch rot or grey mould, occurs in humid conditions and attacks plants such as kiwifruit, berryfruit, and glasshouse crops, especially in temperate
regions.
Genesis Research and Development and Landcare Research have formed a joint venture to try to control botrytis and other destructive fungi.
The partnership aims to develop a botrytis control suitable for application to crops close to harvest, without using a genetically engineered organism.
The initial commercial target will be the international wine industry, which spends hundreds of millions of dollars each year to combat fungi. Synthetic fungicides are most commonly used, but fungicide resistance is now widespread.
The companies will jointly own the intellectual property developed through the joint venture, and will patent some of their findings.
Last year, another crown science company, HortResearch, discovered a naturally occurring fungus that could stop grapes from rotting on the vine.
The organic biological control agent is now being marketed as Botry-Zen. The HortResearch scientists were financed by Winegrowers of New Zealand.
- NZPA
