Delaware Patent of the Month – September 2020
Delaware based DuPont has received a patent for its biopesticides, using novel genes that encode pesticidal proteins to produce transgenic pest-resistant plants. Or, simply, it has found a way to keep plants insect-free without chemicals, by engineering them to pretect themselves.
Using a microbial agent (e.g. fungi or bacteria) as a pesticide has a lower risk of pollution and environmental hazards than chemicals, and they provide more targeted than traditional chemical insecticides. They’re also cheaper to produce and utilize.
DuPont’s patent involves genetically engineering plants with insecticidal proteins from other plants and insects, to create biopesticides. For example, Bacillus species microorganisms (e.g. some moths, worms and beetles) have natural pesticidal activity to protect against more harmful insects. And, Pteridophyta (fern and moss plants) and Lycopodiophyta (vascular plants) also have a similar insecticidal protein. So, crops have been genetically engineered to produce proteins associated with these organisms. The pesticidal proteins control, inhibit growth or kill Lepidopteran (moths and butterflies), Coleopteran (beetles), Dipteran (flies), fungal, Hemipteran (bugs) and nematode (worms) pest populations.
Are you developing a new product or process? Did you know your R&D experiments could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
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