Cucurbitaceae extracts exert bionematicide activity

Researchers in the laboratories of Professor Tina Kyndt and Sven Mangelinckx discovered bioactive fractions in extracts derived from melon, zucchini and pumpkin peelings, as well as cucumber leaves.

These plant extracts exhibit direct nematicidal activity and induce systemic resistance in important agricultural crops upon foliar or root application.

Together with Dewi Hartkamp from the Dutch Foundation for Horticultural Innovations (Signs), Ghent University identified an important partner in the supply chain to provide the raw materials for their innovative research: Circulair Centrum Zuid.

At Circulair Centrum Zuid under the supervision of Ben Rooijackers, more than 10.000 tons of cucumber leaves are collected annually. Upon fermentation of the leaves, more than 5.000 tons of cucumber juice is produced. Tests by Ghent University demonstrated that the cucumber juice contains important nematicidal activity.

The results are protected by the patent application WO2021009164A1. The research was funded by Lima Europe and VLAIO.

The partners are currently seeking an industrial partner willing to further develop and commercialise the cucumber juice as a bionematicide.

For more information or interest in potential commercialisation, please do not hesitate to contact maaike.perneel@ugent.be.