Aggiefeed and aggiegrow: bilin-enhanced sustainable fertilizers derived from algae for crop abiotic stress mitigation
AggieFeed and AggieGrow are algae-derived, environmentally friendly fertilizers enriched with mesobiliverdin, a close relative of biliverdin. They protect crops against abiotic stress by reducing harmful reactive oxygen species, promoting healthier growth and higher yields. Recent validation in corn demonstrates promising agricultural benefits.
Overview
AggieFeed and AggieGrow are sustainable, algae-derived fertilizers enriched with mesobiliverdin, a bilin compound closely related to biliverdin. These products address a key challenge in agriculture: crop losses caused by abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and nutrient limitations. Such stresses trigger the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant cells, leading to oxidative damage that reduces growth and yield. By delivering bilin compounds that mitigate and reverse ROS-related cellular damage, AggieFeed and AggieGrow offer an environmentally friendly approach to improving crop resilience and productivity. Initial validation trials on corn have shown beneficial effects, supporting the products' potential as a scalable agricultural input.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Algae-derived formulation: Sustainable production from algal biomass, reducing reliance on animal-derived sources
- Mesobiliverdin enrichment: Contains mesobiliverdin, a bilin compound structurally related to biliverdin, which has demonstrated protective effects against abiotic stress
- ROS mitigation: Works by reducing harmful reactive oxygen species accumulation in plant cells, reversing oxidative damage caused by environmental stress
- Broad applicability: Designed for use across multiple crop systems, with initial validation in corn
- Environmentally friendly: Supports sustainable agriculture by leveraging renewable algal feedstocks
The underlying science is based on the role of biliverdin and related bilins in protecting plants from oxidative stress. Traditional biliverdin sources from animal materials are insufficient for agricultural-scale use, making algae-derived mesobiliverdin a practical and scalable alternative.
Technology readiness level
AggieFeed and AggieGrow have advanced beyond the conceptual stage, with recent field validation demonstrating beneficial effects on corn production. The products are positioned for further pilot testing and expanded crop trials. Future validation plans include broader field testing across additional crop species and diverse growing conditions to confirm efficacy and scalability for commercial agricultural deployment.
About Utah State University
Utah State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university (Carnegie R1) serving Utah through a flagship Logan campus and a statewide network. Industry connects through the Innovation Campus research park, where companies co‑locate with faculty and access shared facilities. USU’s Space Dynamics Laboratory, a US Space Force–sponsored University Affiliated Research Center, offers mission‑driven pathways for space and defense collaboration. Statewide Extension offices and field sites enable pilot deployments and real‑world validation across Utah’s diverse settings. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, USDA, NASA, and DoD, with Technology Transfer Services managing IP, licensing, and SBIR/STTR support.
Inquire about this partnering listing
Looking for
Industry applications
delivered to your inbox.