Crops engineered for improved phosphorus use efficiency
This technology involves genetically engineering plants to produce higher levels of inositol pyrophosphates — a family of signaling molecules that play key roles in how plants manage phosphorus, energy, and stress responses. The approach works by overexpressing specific enzymes (ITPK and VIP kinases) that drive the synthesis of these compounds inside the plant. The result is a crop plant with an altered internal chemistry that could affect nutrient uptake efficiency, stress tolerance, or seed composition. The inventors have identified both the full enzyme and a specific functional domain (the kinase domain) as viable targets for this modification.
What you could build
A genetically modified seed line (corn, soybean, or wheat) with improved phosphorus use efficiency or stress tolerance, sold to seed companies or licensed to ag biotech firms developing next-generation crop traits.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia has significant soybean and corn acreage; ag biotech companies and seed licensors operating in the mid-Atlantic region, as well as Virginia Tech's agricultural research ecosystem, would be natural partners or acquirers.
Readiness: Concept
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
- Glenda Gillaspy, Catherine Freed, Caitlin Cridland, Branch Craige
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed September 13, 2024
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20250197875A1
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.