US develops a new generation of biopesticides
US company Robigo is developing biological crop protection products based on engineered microbes, using RNAi and CRISPR technologies. The solutions are designed to target plant pathogens and could reduce growers’ dependence on chemical pesticides.
The company’s ARGO platform combines synthetic biology and computational design. In recent years, Robigo has shifted its focus from CRISPR to RNA interference, or RNAi, which can suppress key functions in targeted pathogens.
Field trials across five US states showed that the engineered microbes can deliver results comparable to chemical pesticides. In one trial, Robigo’s product increased crop yield by 250% compared with another commercial microbial product.
The technology is being developed as pests, diseases and weeds become increasingly resistant to conventional crop protection products. According to the company, only two new herbicide modes of action have been commercialized over the past 40 years.
Robigo plans to expand its biological solutions to additional crops and develop partnerships with other companies.
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