Valorizing insect frass as a biological seed treatment for corn
This innovative solution utilizes processed insect frass as a biological seed treatment for corn, enhancing early plant immune responses and systemic resistance. The scalable technology targets Pythium pressure and integrates with commercial seed treatment systems.
Overview
The proposed solution leverages insect frass, an underutilized by-product of insect farming, as a biological seed treatment for corn. By processing frass into nano- and micro-scale particles, the technology enhances coating uniformity and primes early plant immune responses. This method induces systemic resistance and supports rapid seedling emergence, reducing the risk of resistance due to its host-mediated mode of action. It is designed to target early-season Pythium pressure at the seed-soil interface and is compatible with existing commercial seed treatment systems.
Technical specifications
- Insect Frass Processing: Solvent-free ball milling to create controlled particle sizes for improved biological accessibility.
- Mode of Action: Utilizes PAMP- and DAMP-triggered signaling to induce systemic resistance without direct fungitoxicity.
- Scalability: The technology is scalable and residue-free, suitable for integration into current seed treatment systems.
- Application Target: Focused on early-season Pythium spp. pressure, crucial for corn seedlings.
- Compatibility: Designed to work with commercial slurry and film-coating systems.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at TRL 5, indicating that it has been validated in a relevant environment. Further validation is planned to quantify its effects on Pythium infection and compatibility with commercial seed treatments.
About Kansas State University
Kansas State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university with multiple campuses and a strong applied mission. Industry partners tap a statewide extension network that connects companies to field sites, talent, and rapid outreach; campus pilot plants and analytical services enable bench‑to‑pilot scale validation, while co‑located high‑containment facilities support regulated studies. The Olathe campus in the Kansas City metro serves as an industry‑engagement hub with workforce pipelines, collaborative labs, and proximity to the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, USDA, and DOE, alongside state and corporate sponsors, and a dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, sponsored research, and startup formation.
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