Plants are essential for a sustainable bioeconomy. They form the basis for the provision of the growing world population with food- and feedstuff, biomaterials and renewable energies. At the 4th BioSC Spotlight on October 29th, 2018, guests from academia and industry as well as BioSC members presented research activities the aim of which is to ensure yield and quality with simultaneous reduction of pesticide and fertilizer usage. The 47 participants used the event for a lively exchange.
The event was opened by Prof. Ulrich Schwaneberg (RWTH Aachen University), Deputy Spokesperson of the Bioeconomy Science Center. Prof. Karl-Heinz Kogel (University of Giessen) then presented research work involving the modification of the interaction between plant and pest using gene silencing in the plant and as a result inhibiting growth of the pest. In addition, he presented data on the increases resistance in barley to two common pests through the use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
Prof. Dr. Georg Groth (HHU Düsseldorf) reported on the C4-PSH BioSc Project, in whose framework inhibitors for the key enzymes of the C4 photosynthesis were identified. These molecules represent possible lead substances for the development of herbicides acting selectively against C4 weeds. Prof. Dr. Stefan Schillberg (Fraunhofer IME, Aachen) then presented approaches for pest control by overexpression of antibodies and antimicrobial peptides in crop plants. In addition, he showed data on the increase of biomass yields of potatoes and tobacco through expression of bacterial genes and reported on a pilot project for indoor farming. To conclude the morning, Prof. Dr. Uwe Conrath (RWTH Aachen University) spoke about the defense priming, a systemic immune response of plants to infestation with pathogens that cause a more robust defense response in cases of repeated infestation. He also reported on the PrimACs BioSC Project, in which new priming-triggering substances have been identified. Such substances could open up new possibilities in pest control.
After a lunch break, which was used for intensive exchange, Dr. Mauricio Hunsche (COMPO EXPERT GmbH) used synthetic fertilizers and natural biostimulators as an example to discuss the most important success factors, challenges and obstacles for the development and market introduction of new products. Prof. Dr. Anant Patel (FH Bielefeld) presented the latest developments in the formulation of biological pesticides, in particular a system of beads which can be loaded with appropriate substances to attract the pests by releasing CO2. Dr. Felix Jakob (RTWH Aachen University) presented the work of the greenRelease BioSC FocusLab, in which a new platform technology was developed. The aim is to reduce the use of herbicides and fungicides by applying these substances in the form of microgel particles to plants and releasing them in a controlled manner over a longer period. Finally, Dr. Michael Wustmans (University of Bonn) presented a patent analysis on greenRelease by examining comparable, adjacent, complementary and alternative technologies.
The broad spectrum of the research approaches presented and the engaged discussions demonstrated the need for new strategies for sustainable crop protection and sustainable yield increases. The next BioSC Spotlight will address the topic “Moving the bioeconomy from mind to market” and will take place on February 4th, 2019 in Bonn.
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