C-CAMP transfers two bioactive agricultural solutions to a private agri-science company

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

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

The transfer of these technologies is a part of the ‘Transforming Deep Science Discoveries into Impactful Innovations for India’ initiative under the Discovery to Innovation Accelerator (DIA) programme at C-CAMP. Supported by the Office of the PSA and Pratiksha Trust, this initiative is designed to translate pioneering research into industry-ready solutions for real-world applications.

With pests and diseases contributing significantly to crop loss in India—estimated at 10 to 35 per cent annually—the transfer of these two bio-based solutions represents a critical advancement in sustainable agriculture.

AphidControl is a novel botanical insecticide derived from plant extracts that effectively targets aphids, a pervasive pest that causes substantial agricultural losses. Unlike conventional chemical pesticides, this organic solution offers a sustainable approach to crop protection while minimizing environmental impact. AphidControl has demonstrated superior efficacy compared to existing biopesticides, ensuring a stronger, eco-friendly defense mechanism against aphids.

XanthoControl, is a breakthrough biocontrol agent developed from microbial metabolites (a substance used to break down food, drugs, chemicals, or tissue) that effectively combat Xanthomonas, a bacterial pathogen responsible for bacterial blight in over 40 crops, including tomatoes and pomegranates. This innovative solution provides a safer and more sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides, addressing concerns surrounding antimicrobial resistance and environmental sustainability.

This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of CSIR-IHBT, CSIR-CIMAP, IBSD, DBT, and PI Industries.