A research team at the UAE University develops a heat-resistant biocide in dry environments
Al Ain, April 15 / WAM / The United Arab Emirates University announced that a research team from the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine has obtained a US patent (US Patent No. 12385050 B1) for an innovative biopesticide that is heat-resistant in dry environments.
The research team, led by Professor Dr. Khaled Al-Masmoudi, and with the participation of student Mugheer Abdel Aziz, developed a new formulation that combines the endoxin protein with a protein from the Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) family, specifically the LEA2/Dehydrin protein. This formulation is considered a scientific achievement due to its ability to enhance heat resistance, which allows the pesticide to remain effective up to 42 degrees Celsius, which is an important advance for agriculture in very hot areas.
Professor Dr. Khaled Al-Masmoudi said that this achievement reflects the UAE University’s commitment to developing practical solutions to agricultural challenges and food security, especially in dry and semi-arid environments such as the UAE. By innovating agricultural technologies capable of adapting to the climate, we contribute to supporting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the country’s position in the fields of innovation and food sustainability.
Regarding the method registered in the patent, it depends on isolating LEA protein genes from plants and inserting them into expression vectors to produce recombined proteins. When combined with biopesticides, these proteins provide greater stability under high temperature conditions, ensuring continued effectiveness in controlling pests in environments where conventional pesticides fail.
This innovation is of particular importance in the UAE and the region, where high temperatures and water scarcity pose a challenge to traditional agriculture.
The heat-resistant biopesticide gives farmers a sustainable, effective and environmentally friendly tool to protect crops, reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, and ensure food security in line with the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
With this achievement, the UAE University strengthens its role as a leading center for research and innovation, contributing to supporting the country’s vision towards sustainable development and enhancing the resilience of the agricultural sector.
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