Milwaukee, Wisconsin Patent of the Year – 2024/2025

Agrauxine Corp. has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for innovation in sustainable agriculture. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 11968982, titled ‘Corn rootworm biological control’, introduces a new way to naturally defend crops against one of farming’s most damaging pests.

This breakthrough uses a specific strain of the fungus *Metarhizium robertsii* to target and eliminate corn rootworm, a pest responsible for billions in crop losses each year. The technology delivers a biological control agent directly to corn roots, helping protect the plant from underground larval damage without synthetic chemicals.

Unlike traditional pesticides, this method supports long-term soil health and reduces the risk of resistance in pest populations. The fungus not only attacks the rootworm larvae but also establishes itself in the root zone to provide lasting protection through the growing season.

Agrauxine’s innovation marks a major step forward for sustainable farming. By harnessing a naturally occurring organism to fight a persistent threat, it aligns with growing demand for eco-friendly pest control. Farmers can now manage corn rootworm while minimizing environmental impact and preserving beneficial soil microbes. This patent reflects a powerful blend of biotechnology and agricultural insight aimed at improving crop yields and food security.