Sbir phase II: using a novel RNA therapy to immunize trees and vines against deadly bacteria

This National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Cooperative Agreement award to Silvec Biologics Inc. provides $994,939 in funding to develop novel RNA therapies to immunize grapevines, citrus trees, and other agricultural crops against deadly bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

The key objectives are to: (1) optimize small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against the Xylella fastidiosa bacterium that causes olive quick decline syndrome, Pierce's disease in grapes, and citrus variegated chlorosis; (2) develop inoculation processes to target Xylella in grapevine crops; (3) target grapevine red blotch virus; and (4) target the Plasmopara viticola fungus that causes grape downy mildew. The research aims to demonstrate efficacy in separate trials for each pathogen, with the goal of creating an integrated product to protect grapevines against multiple deadly threats. This award supports Silvec Biologics' efforts to scale up from validations in model plants to full demonstrations of efficacy in grapevines, with the intent to conduct field trials once proof-of-concept is established.

Abstract

The broader impact/commercial potential of this small business innovation research (sbir) phase II project is to develop the first small RNA-based immunization approach for several deadly plant diseases including xylella fastidiosa (XF) in grapevines. XF diseases include (1) olive quick decline syndrome, which is currently threatening the entire southern european olive industry and killing trees that are over 1,000 years old; (2) pierce?s disease, which has severely damaged southern california vineyards; and (3) citrus variegated chlorosis, which is one of several diseases threatening the citrus industry. In addition, the project seeks to develop a proof-of-concept inoculations against several other of the most impactful viral and fungal diseases affect grapevines in the united states. A single inoculation can potentially provide lifetime protection against multiple pathogens while not harming the tree. In the absence of treatment, in a few decades, citrus, olive, and many other valuable crops that produce food for millions of people may cease to exist outside of insect-protective structures like greenhouses. The technology being scaled-up is based on a novel infectious RNA that can be used as a delivery vehicle for anti-pathogenic agents. The proposed project has 4 key goals: (1) optimizing sirnas against XF and further improving the inoculation process for grapevine crops; (2) targeting XF in grapevine crops; (3) targeting grapevine red blotch virus; (4) targeting downy mildew of grape caused by plasmopara viticola fungus. Efficacy will be demonstrated in separate trials for each pathogen, ultimately laying the foundation for a single integrated product that would be able to protect grapevines against multiple deadly pathogens. This technology seeks to build on validations in the model plant n. Bethamiana by scaling up to a full demonstration of efficacy in grapevines. Once efficacy is demonstrated, then field trials will be conducted. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.