The primary purpose of this agreement is to reduce the population density of the invasive weed ailanthus altissima through continued field testing formulations of a host specific native fungal…

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded Bioprodex, Inc. a $307,551 Cooperative Agreement on June 1, 2026, under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025) to continue field testing formulations of Verticillium nonalfalfae, a host-specific native fungal wilt-causing pathogen designed as a bioherbicide to control Ailanthus altissima (tree-of-heaven), an invasive weed species.

The work aims to reduce Ailanthus altissima population density, which serves as a primary host for the spotted lanternfly, a regulated agricultural pest. Verticillium nonalfalfae has been field tested in Pennsylvania and Virginia and confirmed to be highly effective in causing wilt disease and killing inoculated Ailanthus altissima with a single treatment, with impacts extending to surrounding Ailanthus altissima. The award funds continued formulation development and field testing activities. Performance extends through May 31, 2027, with work performed across the United States.

The primary purpose of this agreement is to reduce the population density of the invasive weed ailanthus altissima through continued field testing formulations of a host specific native fungal wilt-causing pathogen, verticillium nonalfalfae as a bioherbicide. Reduction in population density of ailanthus altissima would help in the integrated management of spotted lanternfly. Verticillium nonalfalfae has been field tested in pennsylvania and virginia and confirmed to be highly effective in causing the expected wilt disease and killing of inoculated ailanthus altissima with a single treatment, with impacts to other surrounding ailanthus altissima.