Colletotrichum-based bio-herbicide for poison ivy and
This technology uses specific strains of the fungus Colletotrichum fioriniae as a biological herbicide to kill invasive or undesirable plants, specifically targetting poison ivy and the Brazilian peppertree. Unlike broad-spectrum chemical weedkillers, these fungal strains naturally infect and wither the target plants without the need for synthetic chemicals. The invention focuses on making the fungus easy to apply to leaves or stems, providing a targeted way to clear toxic or invasive undergrowth from forests and landscapes.
What you could build
A bio-herbicide spray or topical treatment for land management companies, park services, and homeowners to selectively eradicate poison ivy in sensitive environmental areas.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia's extensive state parks, forestry industry, and commercial landscaping sectors frequently battle poison ivy and would benefit from a native biological control agent.
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
- John G. Jelesko, Matthew Kasson
- Granted
- May 9, 2017
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9642371
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.