Identifying and quantifying metabolites of a novel Metarhizium robersil strain

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The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University will bring its experience with entomopathogenic fungi to partner with Crop Defenders Ltd. to develop methods and quality controlprotocols for identification and quantification of chemical metabolites produced by a novel isolate ofMetarhizium robertsii (CPD006) under the provisional trade name, NoVil, the company is developing as a newbio-insecticide in Canada. The expertise to identify and quantify secondary metabolites of entomopathogenic fungi does not exist in Canada. Generally, entomopathogenic fungi including Metarhizium robertsii produce a wide variety of biologically active compounds, mostly as products of secondary metabolism, which areinvolved in biocontrol of insect pests and other soil microbiome interactions. Some however are potentially known toxins or mycotoxins and concerns have been raised by regulatory authorities regarding the fate of thesemetabolites in the environment as well as the exposure of workers during mass production. The ISH lab isdeveloping similar protocols to identify and quantify both non-volatile and volatile secondary metabolites of Trichoderma fungi as new biofungicides. This will assist Crop Defenders to bring a valuable newbio-insecticide to the market. The project will increase Kwantlen's capacity to partner with private companies developing natural, fungal-based environmentally protective crop protection products, achieving our goal of supporting sustainability and the green economy and putting more biological products into the hands ofgrowers and pest management personnel. Horticulture students will benefit by exposure to cutting edgeenvironmental products which they will encounter and use in their horticulture careers.