Technological projects portfolio
RADULA
Development and optimization of a natural herbicide substance of plant origin
Investment: €225k
Scope: Agriculture and Environment
Scientific field(s): Biology and medicinal chemistry / Physics – Chemistry and Optics
Institution(s): École polytechnique - ENSTA Paris - CNRS - Sorbonne Université
Development: Technology to be marketed
USE CASES
In agriculture, weeding crops is an essential action. Plants competing with crops reduce growth and production, which are the major effects, but they can also be toxic for consumers and present invasive risks or risk causing allergenic pollen production.
Furthermore, in urban areas or for public works (paths, roads, bridges, railways, airfields, etc.), undesirable plants are eliminated so as not to hinder traffic but also to limit damage to structures.
The current challenge is to find effective alternatives to artificial chemical weedkillers used today. This project is part of a sustainable development approach.
ADVANTAGES
The proposed innovation involves developing the synthesis of a natural molecule that presents herbicidal activity. The biological study showed selective inhibition of one of the photosynthesis photosystems, explaining the phytotoxicity observed.
As this molecule is present in a plant identified during preliminary studies, the environmental impact is mitigated since this molecule has most likely been present in nature for several millennia. Confronting this molecule with the microbiota of the soil has enabled the micro-organisms to develop ways of breaking it down, which will limit the impact on the environment.
APPLICATIONS
Agriculture, transport, and urban planning will benefit from this technology. Weed control in vineyards, vegetable production, orchards and large areas for cereal crops is a technical requirement that calls for disruptive innovations to reduce the use of current herbicides.
RADULA is a herbicide with a biocontrol function. RADULA’s natural origin is a major advantage when it comes to targeting a reduction in environmental impact.
Agriculture is affected first and foremost. Weed control for transport infrastructures: railway lines, parking lots, bridge approaches, airport runways and parking, sidewalks and building access areas is a very strong need. The list of demands is long, and we can also add the needs of private individuals for terraces and gardens.
In this context, the solution developed by the RADULA project has an important role to play.