Bionomic

Farmers and growers know well: once you spot fusarium fungus on your crops, it’s already too late. At least part of your harvest will surely be lost. Bionomic, based in Oegstgeest, has developed a test that quickly and easily detects this dangerous fungus and then devised a solution to address the pathogen in an eco-friendly manner. With support from the Rabo Impact Fund, Bionomic is set to test this solution this year. 
 
Fusarium fungus is a formidable enemy of crops including bananas, tomatoes, peppers, and flower bulbs. Initially, an infection is not visible to the naked eye and therefore often goes unnoticed for a long time. “Once you finally see the fungus on the plants, it’s too late”, says Diederik Mud. 
 
During his studies as an analyst, he discovered, along with classmate Stan Aanhane, that the tulip sector is struggling to get this pathogen under control. As a graduation project, they developed a method that detects the fusarium fungus in its early stages. With their diplomas fresh in hand, they not only pursued university studies but also founded Bionomic to market their discovery. 
 
Right on target 
The method Bionomic devised is based on PCR technology, which identifies the genetic material (DNA) of the potential pathogen. “We extract a sample from the flower bulb with a hollow needle, analyze the DNA from that sample, and indicate the presence or absence of the fungus”, Diederik explains. The test proved to be right on target, but it didn’t solve a major problem. “Because if you find the fungus, then what? How can you tackle it without using chemical agents?” 
 
Natural enemy  
Diederik and Stan returned to their lab and identified one of the natural enemies of the fusarium fungus. “It’s a substance—a small protein, actually—found in microorganisms in the soil”, Diederik shares. “This protein causes the cell of the fungus to break open and leak out. That’s how you break down the fungus. It looks very promising.” 
 
Diederik emphasizes that the key aspect of Bionomic’s product is its natural solution. “Many chemical agents not only target the pathogens in the soil but also harm all other microorganisms living there. Research shows that soil life is incredibly scarce in many places. We’re therefore looking for biological solutions that tackle specific pathogens and can then readily biodegrade.” 
 
Field test  
The biological agent Bionomic developed to fight the fusarium fungus is effective, Diederik says. “But so far, only on a laboratory scale. To get the agent recognized in Europe and bring it to market, we need to prove its effectiveness in the field and its impact on humans and the environment. We’re going to do this on the test fields of the growers’ cooperative Agrifirm. We have received 25,000 euros from the Rabo Impact Fund for this purpose. With this funding, we’ll conduct the field tests and buy equipment for purifying the protein. If all goes according to plan, we could start this spring.” 
 
Motivation  
Diederik is grateful for the donation from the Rabo Impact Fund. “Apart from the financial boost, it means a lot to us that such a prominent name as Rabobank supports our project. They also assist us with their network within the sector and in our region. All of this is a huge motivator to continue with our efforts. It’s also a signal from the bank to the agricultural sector: this is the direction we need to go; we must commit more to the transition towards natural crop protection agents.” 
 
Groundbreaking research  
According to Ferry Huurman, director of the cooperative Rabobank, Bionomic has more than earned the donation. “The research they’re doing is groundbreaking and significant. The bulb sector needs to become more sustainable. Progress is being made, but the sector still has lots of steps to take. Bionomic’s findings could be of help there.”