Cold-adapted Antarctic yeasts for off-season and cold-storage biocontrol of crop pests and pathogens
A collection of cold-adapted yeasts isolated from Antarctic soils is being developed as biological control agents targeting insect pests, nematodes, and fungal pathogens at low temperatures. The approach addresses the growing need for alternatives to chemical pesticides, enabling pest and disease control during off-season periods and on produce stored under cold conditions.
Overview
This project harnesses cold-adapted yeasts isolated from Antarctic soils as biological control agents capable of functioning at sub-optimal, low-temperature conditions. The work addresses the urgent need for safer alternatives to chemical pesticides, driven by rising health and environmental concerns, pesticide resistance, and deregistration of key active ingredients. By enabling biocontrol during off-season periods and on produce held in cold storage, the technology targets a significant gap in current integrated pest management strategies.
The initiative leverages a unique yeast collection built from soils at Mars Oasis on Alexander Island, where midwinter temperatures drop to -30 °C. DNA metabarcoding has shown yeasts to account for 60–80% of soil fungal sequences in these extreme environments, with an abundance of genera including Naganishia, Vishniacozyma, Mrakia, and Gelidatrema. Thirty isolates capable of growth at 4 °C have already been identified.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Cold-adapted yeast isolates sourced from extreme Antarctic environments with proven growth at 4 °C
- Biocontrol activity tested against six major fungal pathogen genera: Alternaria, Aspergillus, Botrytis, Monilinia, Penicillium, and Fusarium
- Evaluation against insect and nematode laboratory standards to assess broader pest control potential
- Growth profiling under standard mass-production systems to assess commercial manufacturing compatibility
- Taxonomic identification of active isolates via DNA sequencing
How it works:
Selected yeast isolates are being screened for their ability to suppress plant pathogens and pests on both plate assays and fruit surfaces at temperatures up to 4 °C. Isolates demonstrating biocontrol activity will be characterized taxonomically and evaluated for their suitability for commercial-scale production.
Technology readiness level
The project is at an early-to-mid research and development stage. A baseline yeast collection of 30 cold-tolerant isolates has been established, and the next phase involves systematic purification, growth temperature profiling, and bioc活性 screening against target pathogens and pests. Commercial manufacturing compatibility assessments are planned alongside efficacy testing. The project is positioned for collaboration with industry partners experienced in biocontrol production and distribution.
About CABI
CABI is an international, intergovernmental not-for-profit research and development organization with more than a century of experience and staff operating across a global network of locations. Its centres and partner institutions combine applied research with development delivery, diagnostics, capacity building, and scientific publishing. The organization’s 48 Member Countries help set priorities, while partnerships with governments, universities, NGOs, donors, and private-sector organizations support the translation of evidence into practical tools and services. Funding comes primarily from Member Countries, project sponsors, philanthropic donors, and publishing and product revenues rather than a conventional university grant model. CABI’s databases, compendia, and knowledge platforms extend research to corporate and public-sector users.
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