UF/IFAS, Florida Strawberry Industry, and Ohalo Join Forces to Combat Devastating Fungal Disease-Neopestalotiopsis

APTOS, Calif., Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ohalo Genetics, Inc. has announced a transformative Development and Commercialization Agreement in partnership with the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc. (FFSP), and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA). This collaboration aims to address Neopestalotiopsis, a devastating fungal disease threatening the Florida strawberry industry.

The proactive approach of UF/IFAS in collaboration with Ohalo Genetics Inc. demonstrates how academics can remain relevant to contemporary industry. Unlike in the third world, where university research and industry often work as parallel streams, scientists and academicians are primarily focus on publishing so-called international research papers with no real implications for ongoing industry challenges.

Neopestalotiopsis is a genus of fungi that belongs to the family Amphisphaeriaceae. It is known for its role as a plant pathogen, often affecting various host plants, including economically important crops like strawberries. The fungi in this genus can cause significant damage through leaf spots, fruit rot, and dieback

Neopestalotiopsis, first identified in Florida in 2017, has become one of the most significant challenges faced by strawberry growers. The disease has caused severe crop damage, reduced yields, and increased production costs, endangering the livelihoods of farmers in the "Winter Strawberry Capital of the United States." By 2019 and 2020, outbreaks had escalated, with growers relying heavily on fungicides and intensive field management practices—measures that are both costly and only partially effective.

In response, Ohalo leveraged its advanced breeding platform and collaborated with UF/IFAS to develop a novel genetic trait conferring resistance to neopestalotiopsis. This breakthrough has been integrated into existing UF/IFAS strawberry varieties. Experimental trials of these resistant varieties will commence in 2025.

Delivering Solutions for Strawberry Growers “This collaboration underscores the critical role of public-private partnerships in addressing urgent agricultural challenges,” said Jud Ward, CTO of Ohalo. “The Florida strawberry industry presented an immediate need to combat neopestalotiopsis, and we are proud to contribute by combining our advanced breeding technologies with the unparalleled agricultural expertise of our Florida partners. Together, we are creating a sustainable, long-term solution.”

The collaboration promises significant benefits for the Florida strawberry industry, including:

• Mitigating Crop Losses: Resistant varieties are expected to significantly reduce yield losses, stabilizing production and improving farm profitability.
• Lowering Production Costs: By reducing reliance on fungicides and intensive management practices, resistant varieties offer growers a cost-effective solution.
• Enhancing Fruit Quality: Disease-resistant plants are better equipped to produce larger, higher-quality fruit with extended shelf life, boosting marketability.
• Advancing Sustainability: The adoption of disease-resistant varieties aligns with sustainable agriculture principles, offering environmentally friendly and enduring disease management strategies.

A Unified Commitment to Florida Strawberries The funding for this groundbreaking initiative reflects the collective dedication of Florida’s strawberry industry to safeguarding its future. By integrating Ohalo’s cutting-edge technologies with the expertise of Florida partners, this partnership is set to secure the resilience and sustainability of strawberry farming in the state.

“This vital partnership has enabled a timely and effective solution for our industry,” said Vance Whitaker, professor of horticultural sciences at UF/IFAS, who is leading the project alongside Seonghee Lee e Lee, associate professor of horticultural sciences at UF/IFAS.

John Beuttenmuller , executive director of FFSP, added, “This collaboration is not just about research but about delivering actionable solutions to Florida’s fields. Growers will soon have access to resilient strawberry varieties, ensuring the sustainability of our industry.”

Kenneth Parker , executive director of FSGA, emphasized, “Florida’s strawberry industry has always been at the forefront of innovation. This initiative will provide long-term solutions to ensure the continued success of an industry that contributes $1 billion annually to Florida’s economy.”

As neopestalotiopsis continues to challenge strawberry production, this partnership represents a decisive step forward, fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic stability for the Florida strawberry industry.

About Ohalo Genetics Ohalo? was founded in 2019 to accelerate evolution and unlock nature’s potential. The company’s novel breeding systems and advanced plant varieties enable farmers to grow more food using fewer natural resources, enhancing yield, resilience, and genetic diversity. With its proprietary Boosted Breeding? platform, Ohalo is revolutionizing global agriculture. For more information, visit www.ohalo.com.

About the Florida Partners

• UF/IFAS: Conducts comprehensive strawberry research and extension programs throughout Florida. UF/IFAS-developed strawberry varieties account for nearly 90% of the strawberries grown in the state.
• FFSP: A non-profit organization supporting the commercialization of UF/IFAS plant genetics, FFSP has played a pivotal role in bringing over 2,800 patented plant innovations to market.
• FSGA: Representing Florida strawberry growers since 1982, FSGA supports research and development to advance the industry’s competitiveness and sustainability.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring the long-term prosperity of Florida strawberries. #strawberry, #verticalfarming,