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Management of Turfgrass Diseases and Thatch by Streptomyces and Fungi

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Agriculture 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
57240 		Program Year/Program:
2002 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
2002-00087 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Innovative BioSystems, Inc.
121 Sweet Avenue Moscow, ID 83843
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2002
Title: Management of Turfgrass Diseases and Thatch by Streptomyces and Fungi
Agency: USDA
Contract: 2002-33610-11813
Award Amount: $79,995.00
 

Abstract:

Problems associated with turfgrasses include thatch accumulation and fungal diseases such as dollar spot, brown patch, and Pythium crown/root rot. Excessive thatch accumulation, in turn, exacerbates disease prevalence and degrades turf quality. Approximately 40 million acres are planted in turf in the U.S. About 20% of all fungicides used in the U.S. are applied to turfgrasses, which is greater than that applied to any other single horticultural or agronomic crop. Due to the high usage rate of pesticides and the intimate contact humans have with turfgrass, safer alternatives are required. We propose research utilizing a synergistic approach towards biological control of turf diseases, enhanced thatch biodegradation with ligninolytic Streptomyces and white-rot fungi, and iron mobilization on a commercial iron-humate product with active siderophore-producing Streptomyces. A portion of the research will address the feasibility of formulating a value-added biological through compatibility experimentation of the de-thatch microorganisms with Streptomyces lydicus WYEC 108, a commercial biological control agent. A stand-alone lignin-degrading Streptomyces/fungus formulation with biological control, de-thatch, and iron-mobilizing properties will also be developed. Research will include compatibility testing of Streptomyces with white-rot fungi and fungicides, microbial population dynamics, siderophore assays and in vivo de-thatch and challenge experiments.

Principal Investigator:

Mark A. Roberts
2088853884
ibs@turbonet.com

Business Contact:

Roger A. Korus
President and CEO
2088853884
ibs@turbonet.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Innovative BioSystems, Inc.
121 Sweet Avenue Moscow, ID 83843

EIN/Tax ID: 820456357
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees: N/A
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No