Capabilities and Core Competencies
Biocontrol of Pythium Pathogens
Pythium pathogens have emerged as a significant economic threat to the sustainable production of leafy greens and vegetables in hydroponic systems. Once introduced to the water all plant in the facility become infected. These infections limit nutrient uptake by plants resulting in smaller plants while severe infections kill. All commercial facilities have some level of Pythium infection that limits plant growth. PythiumX® is the first biopesticide that specifically targets and kills oomycetes like Pythium in hydroponic systems. It will be produced and marketed as an organic product that can be activated on-site and added directly to the water to kill Pythium.
• Exclusive right from BGSU to the use of the strains identified in the Morris lab as oomycete killers.
• Finding that the biocontrol strain PythiumX® is a broad host pathogen of oomycetes species.
• Research facilities for evaluating the control of Pythium pathogens by PythiumX® in hydroponic systems.
• US National Phase Application Biocontrol Compositions and Methods 62853-US-PCT
• Canadian Application number for Biocontrol Compositions and Methods 3287283
Differentiators
There is no effective biocontrol solution for Pythium infections. Point source sterilization solutions using UV light or the production of oxygen radicals do not address pythium contamination on any of the surfaces in contact with the water. They may also kill recirculating bacteria that if not killed could create a stable microbial ecosystem to promote optimal root growth.
Past Performance
-
NSF STTR award 230451 09/01/2023-8/31/2024 $275,000 Biocontrol of pythium pathogens in hydroponic greenhouses​
-
Invited participant: Biological Product Summit sponsored by 3 Bar Biologics, and Harrells. Oct 2-3, 2025, Columbus OH.​
-
Invited NSF SBIR submission Proposal # 2604950 Novel Control of Pythium Pathogens - Submitted Nov.5, 2025.