© 2001 Wendy Dager

Ecologically speaking, pesticide has become a bad word.

Thats why Bothell, Washington-based Eden Bioscience has developed the pesticide alternative they've dubbed Messenger—a product that works on plants much the same way that a vaccine protects humans from disease.

Utilizing harpin, a naturally occurring protein first discovered at Cornell University, Messenger—which received EPA approval in 2000—activates a plant's natural defense and growth systems. Eden says Messenger's harpin technology provides broad protection against disease and reduces damage caused by pests. This, claims Eden, leads to improved plant growth, crop yield and quality.

Even though the EPA classifies Messenger as a biochemical pesticide, growers can be assured they are being ecologically conscious when they use Messenger. That's because the harpin protein in Messenger is virtually nontoxic. In addition, the plant never actually absorbs the protein.

The topically-applied Messenger, a water-soluable, granular powder, sits on the surface, triggering the plant's defense mechanism, even though it is not under attack. This response has been proven to affect a wide variety of pests on multiple crops, including citrus, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and strawberries. It also works on ornamental crops, such as roses.

While Messenger doesn't destroy pests or eliminate disease, it does boost the plant's immune system.

There is also proof that it helps produce bigger and better fruits and that treated crops tend to mature earlier.

Online news source Wired News recently reported that the Agriculture Development Group, an independent agricultural research and information service, relased test results stating that Messenger-treated artichokes were triple the size of untreated ones, and the biomass of treated zucchini, watermelon and canteloupe plants were more than double.

Messenger, however, is far from perfect.

It does not work on all crops, including cherries, and its effect on fire blight, a bacterial disease, has been inconsistent. Its possible that Messenger, which showed initial success in treating fire blight, may have reacted to adverse weather conditions, leading to this year's poor performance against the disease.

"We think all the research that went into finding this chemical, and then its use as a spray, and then its use as a gene in plants is really very exciting," said plant pathologist Herb Adwinckle. "So were hoping we can get to the bottom of why it didn't perform as well, and we can use it because we like the idea of this technology."

Like Adwinckle, the Eden Bioscience executives remain optimistic, and are banking on Messenger's future success, having recently inked a deal with The Scotts Company, manufacturer of MiracleGro. Eden also hopes to acquire certification for Messenger's use on organic food crops. On the net: www.edenbio.com

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