University of Florida Research Foundation Inc

Integrated Plant Genetics, Inc.

Shujian Zhang

Dean W Gabriel

Methods and compositions based upon natural phenolic aromatic aldehydes (ex: cinnamaldehyde, benzaldehyde) are provided, which find use as curing agents for systemic bacterial infections of living plants, in particular against Gram negative bacteria and more particularly species of, including. The curing agent compositions described are used synergistically with other antimicrobial compounds, such as those that plants manufacture or release as a result of biotic or abiotic stresses, including the application of the subject aldehydes, certain proteins, whether produced by recombinant methods or not, nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, or by natural essential oils such as carvacrol or allicin. The aromatic aldehydes have high volatility and exhibit phytotoxicity when applied above certain amounts. Systemic infections and infestations of a variety of plant parts can be treated, including those of leaves and roots. Methods of applying the compositions for agriculture use are disclosed.

Use of aldehydes formulated with nanoparticles and/or nanoemulsions to enhance disease resistance of plants to liberibacters

The present invention teaches methods and compositions useful for treating, preventing, or curing pathogen infections of living plants. In particular, the present invention teaches methods of enhancing plant response to pathogen-associated molecular patterns. The methods and compositions described herein are effective at treating biotrophic pathogens, including Liberibacters.

Growing community of inventors

Gainesville, FL, United States of America

Shujian Zhang