b"and humans. A study from University of Aarhus revealed that around 4% of mould species are already resistant to azoles, a commonly used class of antifungal drugsa figure thats expected to climb. Healthycrops approach offers a promis-ing path to slow or halt the development of such resistant strains, ensuring that antifungal treatments remain effective in the future.A Prestigious AwardIn 2024, Healthycrops efforts were rec-ognized with the prestigious InnovAction Award at Euroseedsa milestone that Hede describes as particularly mean-ingful due to its endorsement by an industry-specific jury. The accolade has opened doors to numerous strategic discussions and potential partnerships, elevating the companys profile within the Hede says reducing reliance on chemical fungicides helps protect biodiversity.PHOTO: HEALTHYCROP agricultural biotech community. Although formal agreements are still under nego-tiation and remain confidential, the award has significantly boosted Healthycrop's infections. Originally identified in barley,Reducing Yield Losses visibility and credibility.Nepenthesin is crucial to the plantsHealthycrops mission also aligns closelyLooking to the future, Healthycrop is defence system; when it's absent, sus- with global sustainability objectives,preparing to navigate a complex regula-ceptibility to fungal attacks significantlyparticularly in terms of environmental andtory and commercial landscape. One increases. Hede explains that fungal path- human health benefits. Reducing reliancemajor challenge, especially in Europe, ogens invade crops by breaking downon chemical fungicides, Hede points out,is the uncertainty surrounding New plant cells with their own enzymes tohelps protect biodiversity and drinkingGenomic Techniques (NGT) legislation. extract nutrients. However, when a plantwater quality while lowering the climateDespite this, Hede remains optimistic, expresses higher levels of Nepenthesin, itfootprint of agriculture. More importantly,expressing confidence that regulatory degrades those fungal enzymes, effec- crops with natural fungal resistance con- clarity will emerge in the near future.tively cutting off the pathogens nutrienttribute to food security by reducing yield supply. losses and the presence of mycotoxinsFocusing on Trait DevelopmentUnlike traditional fungicides, which dangerous compounds produced byRather than creating new crop varieties target specific points and can lead tofungal infections. According to the FAO,themselves, Healthycrop focuses on trait resistance over time, Nepenthesin worksup to a quarter of all crop products aredevelopmentpartnering with seed by attacking fungal enzymes at multiplecontaminated with mycotoxins, leading tocompanies to integrate their fungal-sitesmaking it exceptionally difficultsignificant health and economic conse- resistant traits into elite genetic lines. A for pathogens to adapt. Furthermore,quences. recent collaboration with the Irish com-its activity is naturally regulated, activat- pany Haggard Stores on fungal-resistant ing only when infection is present, whichRising Resistance potatoes exemplifies this approach. As ensures a targeted and efficient defenceThere's also a broader public healthadditional partnerships begin to take mechanism. This biochemical strategydimension: the heavy use of agriculturalshape, Healthycrop is positioning itself at represents a durable and fundamentallyfungicides has contributed to risingthe forefront of a more resilient, sustain-different approach to crop protection. resistance in fungi that infect animalsable future for global agriculture.24/ SEEDWORLD.COMINTERNATIONAL EDITION 2025"