Streptomyces sp. JCK-6131 biopesticide for plant disease and insect pest control

Overview

JAN153Biotech Inc. is developing a novel biopesticide based on Streptomyces sp. JCK-6131, a beneficial bacterium isolated from the rhizosphere. The strain works by enhancing the natural immune defenses of plants, providing protection against a range of diseases and insect pests. This approach offers a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical pesticides, supporting integrated pest management and reduced chemical residues in food production.

The technology has already demonstrated strong control efficacy in laboratory assessments against apple aphid, apple fire blight, tomato bacterial wilt, and kimchi cabbage soft rot through foliar spray application, as well as against kimchi cabbage soft rot through seed coating treatment. These results indicate broad-spectrum potential across both orchard and vegetable crop systems.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Rhizosphere-derived Streptomyces sp. JCK-6131 strain with proven plant immunity-enhancing activity
• Dual application methods: foliar spray and seed coating (seed treatment)
• Demonstrated efficacy against multiple targets including insect pests (apple aphid) and bacterial diseases (fire blight, bacterial wilt, soft rot)
• Microbial-based mode of action that activates host plant defenses rather than relying on direct toxicity

Planned development activities:

• Characterization of the specific metabolites and compounds responsible for inducing plant immunity
• Optimization of fermentation conditions for scalable, cost-effective production
• Formulation development tailored for both foliar spray and seed treatment applications
• Expanded biocontrol efficacy evaluation against additional insect pests and plant diseases

Technology readiness level

The technology is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development. The core strain has been isolated and validated in laboratory and controlled assessments showing high control efficacy against four target pests and diseases across two application methods. Remaining development steps include identification of the bioactive compounds, fermentation scale-up, formulation optimization, and broader field validation. The technology is positioned for advancement toward a commercially viable biopesticide product through further research, co-development, or pilot-scale partnerships.