Promysalin-based narrow-spectrum crop pesticide targeting pseudomonas pathogens
Promysalin is a natural product with selective activity against Pseudomonas species via succinate dehydrogenase inhibition. Emory researchers are developing narrow-spectrum crop pesticide leads to preserve beneficial soil rhizosphere microbes while controlling pathogens.
Overview
Promysalin is a naturally derived compound with demonstrated narrow-spectrum activity against Pseudomonas species, making it a promising lead for next-generation crop protection products. Unlike broad-spectrum pesticides that disrupt beneficial soil microbiomes, promysalin selectively targets Pseudomonas pathovars through inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in primary metabolism. This selective mechanism offers the potential to suppress harmful plant pathogens while preserving the beneficial microbial communities essential to healthy soil and the plant rhizosphere.
Technical specifications
- Target: Succinate dehydrogenase, confirmed via proteomics and resistance selection studies
- Scope: Selective inhibition of Pseudomonas species with limited toxicity to non-target organisms
- Analog library: Approximately 50 analogs synthesized and characterized across five published studies
- Dual activity profile: Potent bactericidal action against certain Pseudomonas strains and virulence inhibition in others
- Application focus: Narrow-spectrum crop pesticide aligned with sustainable agriculture goals
Technology readiness level
The core science is well established, with five peer-reviewed publications disclosing the natural product, analog structure-activity relationships, and the confirmed molecular target. Researchers at Emory University are now seeking to validate lead compounds and best-in-class analogs against key Pseudomonad crop pathogens to confirm species-specific activity. This next phase of testing is designed to advance the program toward identifying a development candidate for a narrow-spectrum agricultural pesticide.
About Emory University
Emory University is a comprehensive private research university in Atlanta, anchored by a major academic health center and a mid-sized, research-active faculty. Integration with its academic health system provides direct access to patients, clinicians, and real-world data, enabling rapid clinical translation and large, multisite trials. A hospital-embedded innovation hub and proximity to the CDC and Atlanta’s corporate ecosystem create frequent pathways for co-development, testing, and deployment with industry partners; a long-standing partnership with a neighboring engineering powerhouse broadens prototyping and scale-up options. Research is supported by competitive federal funding, including the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. A dedicated technology transfer office supports IP strategy, licensing, startup formation, and streamlined industry agreements.
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