Objective:  USDA-ARS is currently looking for an industrial partner to help commercialize an innovative pathogen detection system for Beet Black Scorch Virus (BBSV), which causes leaf spots and rot scorch in sugar beets. 

Overview:  Sugar beets are grown as a commercial source for sucrose (sugar).  BBSV can result in significant loss of root yield and sugar recovery.  Previously, the virus was only found in Asia.  In 2005, the virus was found in the United States.  Enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA) have been used in different applications as a rapid screening tool that has proven to be cost effective and user friendly with a high-throughput.      

Industry Type:  The ideal partner will have expertise in manufacturing antiserum, detection kits, and the ability to contribute both intellectually and financially to the project.

Where:  Northern Plains Area; USDA-ARS Red River Valley Agricultural Research Center, Fargo, North Dakota.

Laboratory Mission:  The mission of the USDA-ARS Red River Valley Agricultural Research Center is to develop fundamental knowledge and new scientific principles to: (1) reduce the impact of foreign chemicals in animals used for food; (2) develop new strategies for controlling perennial weeds; (3) develop new generic, molecular and biochemical approaches for controlling managing pest and beneficial insects; (4) develop improved germplasm and genetic stocks for wheat, barley and oat, and develop improved quality tests for these cereal grains; (5) develop sugar beet genotypes with native resistance to diseases and the sugar beet root maggot for the seed industry; (6) develop sunflower breeding lines with improved resistance to diseases and insects, greater yield potential, and better quality; and (7) reduce post-harvest storage loss and improve nutritional quality of potatoes. 

If your company is interested in learning more about this opportunity, contact our regional Technology Transfer Coordinator:

Bryan Kaphammer

USDA, ARS, Natural Resources Research Center

2150 Centre Avenue, Building D, Suite 300

Fort Collins, CO  80526-8119

Bryan.Kaphammer@ars.usda.gov