NewLeaf Symbiotics, developer of pink facultative methylotrophic bacteria (PPFM), announced the launch of TS201, its first product registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use against corn rootworm, which can strengthen corn root systems and enable crops to reach their yield potential. These pests pose an increasing threat to corn yields as corn rootworms become resistant to the pesticides used.
NewLeaf's TS201 provides a new mechanism of action for corn rootworm control, stimulating the plant's own defense mechanism to produce compounds that repel root pest larvae. According to the company, TS201 is a supplement to existing crop protection methods and can effectively repel corn rootworms and promote root growth. When combined with NewLeaf Corn Biostimulant, it protects crop yields regardless of the presence of corn rootworm damage.
NewLeaf's lab tests demonstrated that when given the choice of treated and untreated roots, 80% of corn rootworm larvae chose the untreated root sample, while only 4% chose the treated sample.
Growers may also see other benefits when applied in the field, such as increased yields and reduced lodging. Compared with the standard root growth that farmers expect to achieve, TS201 can increase the number of fine roots by 9%, the root surface area by 16%, and the root depth by 10%. Dr. Natalie Breakfield, vice president of research and discovery at NewLeaf Symbiotics, noted that TS201 activates the plant's immune system, improves plant health through better uptake of nutrients and water, and reduces lodging compared to insecticide alone.
NewLeaf has sequenced 6,500 PPFMs, natural pink microorganisms that can help farmers address challenges in yield, crop protection, nutrient use efficiency and methane emission reduction. In addition to the new TS201, NewLeaf currently offers biostimulants for corn, soybeans, cotton and peanuts.
