Researchers are using molecular modeling methods to create fundamentally new fungicides for potatoes.

A research group from the University of Idaho is pioneering the use of computer molecular modeling to develop new agricultural fungicides, specifically those that will attack crop pathogens in new ways. This is reported by Potato News Today. This approach is similar to the methods used in the development of pharmaceuticals for human health — developing fungicides through experimentation, computer modeling, and combining chemicals to form new compounds. The scientists have identified several compounds that have proven highly effective against major fungal diseases in potatoes, and they expect their collaboration to result in new fungicides, the production of which the University of Idaho will license to chemical companies. "We have had a high level of success. We have tested fewer than 60 compounds and already have 15 that have some effect. If we look at the bigger picture, this approach can be adapted in some way to all groups of pathogens. Once the system is implemented, it can ...