Moa Technology has taken a significant step forward in its bio-herbicide research and development program by entering into a long-term collaboration with Biomar Microbial Technologies. This partnership grants Moa access to Biomar’s expansive library of natural marine compounds, holding immense potential for the discovery of novel herbicides.

Exploring the Ocean for Agricultural Solutions

Moa is utilizing its cutting-edge GALAXY platform to screen Biomar’s marine compounds, aiming to identify new herbicides that can combat herbicide-resistant weeds. The ocean biome, with its vast biodiversity, offers a largely untapped reservoir of natural compounds crucial for enhancing global food security. As Moa’s CEO, Virginia Corless, states, “We believe that the ocean biome is an area of great potential for herbicide discovery, with millions of diverse and unique natural compounds that could help us deliver greater food security on land.”

Addressing the Growing Threat of Herbicide-Resistant Weeds

With the biopesticide market valued at $5 billion and growing at 8% annually, the urgency for innovative solutions against herbicide-resistant weeds is clear. Weeds like pigweed, mare’s tail, and water hemp have developed resistance to conventional methods, potentially reducing crop yields by over 50%, threatening the food supply for millions worldwide.

Leveraging Advanced Technology and Expertise

Moa, spun out of the University of Oxford in 2017, has rapidly grown and now employs over 80 people. The company employs state-of-the-art AI, machine learning, and proprietary biotechnology platforms to identify herbicides with novel modes of action (MOAs). Moa’s glasshouse testing facilities ensure rigorous testing and development of both biological and synthetic herbicides.

Strategic Partnerships for Greater Innovation

This collaboration with Biomar adds to Moa’s strategic partnerships, including a recent agreement with Nufarm. Xavier Jacq, Moa’s Chief Scientific Officer, highlighted Biomar’s expertise in natural product identification and production as a significant contribution to the collaboration. Antonio Fernandez, CEO of Biomar, emphasized how this partnership aligns with Biomar’s vision to foster innovation and sustainability.

Pioneering Future-Ready Bio-Herbicides

With Biomar’s unrivaled collection of marine natural compounds and Moa’s advanced biotechnology platforms, this partnership represents a powerful union of knowledge and innovation. Together, they aim to deliver more sustainable herbicide solutions to the agricultural sector, addressing one of the most pressing challenges faced by farmers today—herbicide resistance.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Collaboration: Moa gains access to Biomar’s marine compound library
• GALAXY Platform: Screening for herbicides with novel modes of action.
  Herbicide Resistance: Tackling fast-growing, resistant weeds threatening crop yields.
• Innovation & Sustainability: Both companies emphasize sustainable agricultural solutions.

Source- Mao