C-CAMP transfers novel bio-based agri solutions to PI industries

Bengaluru: The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) in Bengaluru has transferred two novel bioactive, non-chemical agricultural solutions — AphidControl and XanthoControl — to the agri-sciences company, PI Industries.

The announcement was made at an event in New Delhi at the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, in the presence of Prof AK Sood, PSA to the Government of India, and Kris Gopalakrishnan, Managing Trustee of Pratiksha Trust.

The transfer is part of the 'Transforming Deep Science Discoveries into Impactful Innovations for India' initiative under C-CAMP’s Discovery to Innovation Accelerator (DIA) programme, which is supported by the Office of the PSA and Pratiksha Trust. The initiative aims to translate cutting-edge research into industry-ready solutions for real-world applications.

With pests and diseases contributing to an estimated 10-35% of annual crop losses in India, these bio-based solutions represent a critical step toward sustainable agriculture.

This milestone was achieved through the collaborative efforts of CSIR-IHBT, CSIR-CIMAP, IBSD, DBT, and PI Industries.

AphidControl: A sustainable botanical insecticide

AphidControl is a plant extract-based botanical insecticide that effectively targets aphids, a major agricultural pest.

Unlike conventional chemical pesticides, this organic solution provides an eco-friendly approach to crop protection while minimising environmental impact. It has shown superior efficacy compared to existing biopesticides, offering a stronger and more sustainable defence against aphids.

XanthoControl: A biocontrol agent against bacterial blight

XanthoControl is a microbial metabolite-based biocontrol agent designed to combat Xanthomonas, the bacterial pathogen responsible for bacterial blight in over 40 crops, including tomatoes and pomegranates.

By providing a safer alternative to synthetic pesticides, it addresses concerns about antimicrobial resistance and environmental sustainability.