The project titled “Pilot-Scale Production of PROTOGEN61™ Biofungicide and Investigation of its Effectiveness in Hazelnut and Vineyard Cultivation,” prepared under the leadership of Assoc. Dr. Uğur Uzuner, a faculty member of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ), was deemed worthy of support within the scope of the TÜBİTAK TEYDEB 1507 SME R&D Start-up Support Program.

The project aims to simultaneously test the protective effects of the protein-based PROTOGEN61™ bioproduct, first developed within the framework of the TÜBİTAK 1512 Entrepreneurship Support Program, against different pathogens causing gray mold and rust diseases in hazelnut and vineyard cultivation. Furthermore, the development of pilot-scale production processes for the product is planned.

PROTOGEN61™ aims to offer an environmentally friendly solution to the residue problems caused by the use of chemical pesticides in agriculture, and to contribute to the widespread adoption of pesticide-free or low-input farming practices within the scope of organic farming and good agricultural practices.

Project Team

Project Leader: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uğur Uzuner

Researcher: Prof. Dr. Aykut Sağlam

Researcher: İzzethan Öztop (Graduate Student)

This project aims to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and to introduce an innovative product in the field of biological control to the agricultural sector.