AG-BIO: New Mode of Crop Protection Offered - Brief Article

Applied Genetics News, April, 2000

EDEN Bioscience (11816 N. Creek Pkwy., Bothell, WA 98011; Tel: 425/806-7300) has introduced Messenger, billed as an effective and environmentally sound tool for plant disease management; plant growth enhancement; and insect, mite, and nematode suppression. Messenger is not currently registered for use or sale in the U.S. EPA registration is anticipated within the next few weeks.

The active ingredient in Messenger is harpin, a naturally occurring protein produced by bacteria commonly found in the environment. When Messenger is applied to a plant, harpin protein binds to plant receptors. Upon binding, the Messenger-treated plant initiates a set of complex signaling pathways, causing natural gene expression and activating the plant's natural defense and growth systems.

"All plants have natural and rigorous defense mechanisms that help protect them against disease and insect infestation," says Zhongmin Wei, vice president and director of research at EDEN Bioscience. "Scientists have been searching for agents that can effectively 'switch on' these plant defense mechanisms for years."

While the EPA classifies Messenger as a biochemical pesticide, the product does not directly kill anything. Instead, Messenger simply sends a "message" to the plant to protect itself. Messenger has been found to be virtually non-toxic to mammals, birds, honeybees, plants, and aquatic species. It leaves no detectable residue on crops or in water even immediately after application--and is rendered inactive by natural sunlight and microbes. Messenger rapidly degrades in the environment, and Eden says there is no concern of ground or surface water contamination.