BARD 40 Year Review

Case Study 13: Mango Treatment: Extending Shelf Life Using Fewer Chemicals

Principal Investigators: IS: Dov Prusky, (Agricultural research Organization, Volcani Center); US: Jeffrey Rollins (University of Florida), Lisa Vaillancourt (University of Kentucky), Tesfaya Mengiste (Purdue University)

Goal: To develop methodologies to reduce post-harvest loss of mango fruit by fungal pathogens.

Activities: The researchers discovered that the fungi pathogenicity was modulated by the pH levels of the fruit, and that pH changes were induced by the pathogen itself. 

Outcomes: A post-harvest acid-prochloraz treatment of mango fruit was established that modifies the pH of the fruit environment and inhibits fungal colonization. The treatment reduced fruit loss from Alternaria fungi by several percent and improves safety by reducing the concentration of prochloraz applied as a post-harvest fungicide. The treatment has been adopted in Israel and in Northern Sinaloa, Mexico. 

Economic Benefit: Net Present Value of BARD’s investment is $54 million, thereof $26 million already attained. The Internal Rate of Return is 21%. Benefit-Cost Ratio is 17, thereof 9 already attained. 

Capacity Building: At least 9 postgraduates were involved in the research supported by the 5 BARD awards between 1995 and 2014. Currently, 3 of these are in academia in the US and Israel, 1 is in medical research, 3 are in the agritech industry and another 1 at the Standards Institution of Israel.

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Case Study 14: Trichoderma: A Potent Fungus as a Biological Control Agent

Principal Investigators: US: Gary Harman (Cornell University); IS: Ilan Chet (Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

Goal: To control pathogenic fungi in field crops through root colonization by Trichoderma, an endophytic fungus. The role of Trichoderma in inducing multiple benefits to plants, such as root growth promotion, resistance to abiotic stress and increased nitrogen use efficacy was also examined.

Activities: Protoplast fusion was conducted to obtain highly rhizosphere competent Trichoderma strains that are effective against pathogens and promote plant growth. Strongly antifungal enzymes generated by Trichoderma were identified and isolated.  Gene expression studies were conducted to elucidate the plants’ systemic changes leading to enhanced productivity and resilience.

Outcomes: Two commercial companies were established based on the research results. BioWorks produces Trichoderma products for biocontrol of root disease for greenhouse (ornamental) and vegetable crops. Advanced Biological Marketing (ABM) produces and markets mixes of proprietary strains of Trichoderma as root and soil inoculants and biostimulators for wheat, corn, cotton, soy and vegetables. 

Economic Benefit: Net Present Value of BARD’s investment is $647 million, thereof $190 million already attained. The Internal Rate of Return is 17%. Benefit Cost Ratio is 85, thereof 26 already attained. 

Capacity Building: 7 postgraduates were involved in the research supported by the 8 BARD awards between 1981 and 2007. Currently, 4 of these are in academia in the US, Israel and Taiwan; 2 are in the biotechnology industry, 1 in Israel and 1 in the US.  

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