Burkholderia endophyte biofungicide for broad-spectrum crop
This technology centers on a naturally occurring, non-harmful bacterium (Burkholderia sp. SSG) found living inside boxwood plants. Researchers discovered that a liquid extract from culturing this microbe—essentially its secreted byproducts—can suppress a broad range of plant pathogens without harming people, animals, or the environment. The extract is applied directly to plants, soil, or diseased plant debris to prevent or treat fungal and other infections, and it may also stimulate plant growth as a secondary benefit.
What you could build
A biofungicide or biostimulant product—sold as a liquid concentrate or wettable powder—applied by growers to crops, ornamentals, or turf to control disease and promote growth; buyers would be specialty crop producers, greenhouse operators, and organic agriculture input distributors.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia has significant ornamental horticulture, nursery, and turf industries, as well as a growing organic and specialty crop sector, all of which are active buyers of biological crop protection inputs.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Ping KONG
- Granted
- May 5, 2026
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 12616207
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.