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Thomas Laurita, President, and CEOBecause the plant microbiome is central to plant health and growth, agricultural biologicals hold the promise to improve crop yield sustainably. Seeds treated with biologicals experience many benefits, including enhanced nutrient uptake, improved yield, and disease resistance. However, there exist millions of microbial strains that can potentially help plants thrive. Some companies try to address extreme microbiome diversity by screening microbes in controlled environments like greenhouses, and others conduct direct field trials to measure yield from a broad swath of microbes applied to key crops. St. Louis-based NewLeaf Symbiotics pursues a unique strategy by focusing solely on the naturally occurring microbes known as pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFMs) or M-trophs. The company envisions creating a new class of safe, sustainable, and effective agricultural inputs that empower farmers to improve crop health and yield. “We believe M-trophs have the potential to revolutionize the legacy approach to agriculture,” states Thomas Laurita, president and CEO of NewLeaf.
Unlocking the Power of M-trophs
M-trophs are bio-complements that function in harmony with existing chemical and seed technologies and agricultural practices. Making up a large portion of the total population in the plant microbiome, M-trophs enhance nutrient utilization efficiency, secrete essential natural plant growth hormones, and induce systemic resistance to ward off pests. M-trophs promote seed germination and overall plant growth. “At NewLeaf, we are tapping into the seemingly endless potential of these beneficial microbes that constitute over 50 different species and millions of strains,” adds Laurita.
As leaders in plant microbiome technology, NewLeaf will realize the full potential of M-trophs and enable the transformation of agriculture to a more sustainable future
Since its inception, NewLeaf chose to develop deep knowledge of the plant enhancing characteristics inherent in M-trophs to build its product portfolio. The company created and developed a bioinformatics computational engine called the Prescriptive Biologics Knowledgebase® to predictively associate microbial genotypes to beneficial crop phenotypes. NewLeaf has fully sequenced the genomes of a large portion of M-trophs in its 12,000 strain library, and the company has concentrated on producing these microbes at a large scale economically as they need to be used over millions of acres.
New Class of Agricultural Biologicals
In 2018, NewLeaf launched several agricultural inputs under the brand name Terrasym®. These products contain specially selected living M-trophs suited to specific attributes and growing conditions and can be applied in-furrow, on seed, or as foliar sprays. Terrasym products establish a natural, permanent partnership with plants and this symbiotic relationship makes crops stronger, more stable, and tolerant of stress throughout their life cycle. NewLeaf has introduced two seed treatment products for soybean and one for peanut, and in 2019 launched a corn in-furrow product that increases yield by more than 8 bushels/acre. Currently, Terrasym is only available in the U.S market, but there are plans for release outside the country in the near future. With a belief that M-trophs will be eventually applicable all over the world, NewLeaf intends to cover a wider variety of crops with its product line.
In 2019, the Midwest experienced record rainfall, causing the soil to be too wet for planting seeds. As a result most crops were planted a month late and in many locations no crops were planted at all. In such a scenario, growing crops, especially soybeans, presented several challenges. Treating soybeans with Terrasym 401 helped the farmers in the region stimulate the growth of the soybean plants. 2018 field trials at 35 locations across the Midwest, including Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, and South Dakota, demonstrated an increase in yield by 2.7 bushels per acre compared to previous years.
A Culture of Collaboration
Founded in 2013, NewLeaf boasts a team consisting of a broad spectrum of ages, depth of experience, and various industry backgrounds ranging from agriculture to computational data science. It has a very collaborative environment initiated by its founders and carried on by its leadership. Each person in the company possesses a belief that agriculture is essential to the world and that there is a lack of innovative solutions to feed the growing population. This culture has carried on from its early days when the company relied on external resources like the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center for lab space and greenhouses.
With the looming threat of overpopulation, innovative agricultural technology is vital to improve crop yields and solve the world’s growing food shortage demands. “As leaders in plant microbiome technology, NewLeaf will realize the full potential of M-trophs and enable the transformation of agriculture to a more sustainable future,” ends Laurita.
NewLeaf Symbiotics News
NewLeaf Symbiotics Introduces New EPA-Registered Biocontrol Treatment to Repel Corn Rootworm at the Root
AMVAC® and NewLeaf Symbiotics® Extend North American Partnership to Key Global Markets
NEWPORT BEACH — American Vanguard® Corporation (NYSE: AVD), through its wholly owned subsidiary AMVAC Chemical Corporation, is pleased to announce the extension of our North American partnership with NewLeaf Symbiotics® of St. Louis. Building on the agreement announced in late 2022, AMVAC and NewLeaf will collaborate to bring innovative biologicals solutions to multiple markets in key locations internationally. The expanded relationship now will include distribution in Argentina, Brazil, Ukraine, and China.
The extended relationship will expand and accelerate American Vanguard’s growing GreenSolutions™ biological portfolio internationally and facilitate NewLeaf’s objective of securing wider market penetration of its unique and proprietary PPFM technology.
AMVAC will leverage its international market access, strong sales teams in Latin America and Ukraine, and its operational expertise relating to our portfolio of GreenSolutions™ biologicals. The international expansion builds upon the 2023 launch of AMVAC’s BioWake™ dual-use biological seed treatment application in the U.S. planter box market. BioWake leverages NewLeaf’s microbial inoculants, along with Low Mu Tech’s DUST soy protein planter lubricant, to provide growers a safer, greener alternative to current talc- and graphite-based seed lubricants.
NewLeaf brings to the partnership its proprietary microbial library, proven research and development capabilities, and current product offering including naturally occurring microbes that deliver a range of benefits to crops throughout the entire growing season. Leading this new class of ag biologicals are NewLeaf’s microbial inoculants, which can make crops stronger, more resilient, and more tolerant of abiotic stress throughout their life cycle.
Mr. Bob Trogele, COO and Executive Vice President, AMVAC, said, “We have worked with NewLeaf for two years now and continue to see the unique benefits for growers who are increasing yield on soybean and corn, while also providing a meaningful ROI. NewLeaf’s technology, coupled with Low Mu Tech’s soybean-based seed lubricant, will help us extend our BioWake brand internationally.”
Mr. Brent Smith, President and CEO of NewLeaf Symbiotics, said, “We are excited to build on our relationship with AMVAC in the United States and beyond. We anticipate BioWake™, driven by our PPFM technology, will have great impact on the acre. And we know that NewLeaf and AMVAC will see great future success together by leveraging AMVAC’s market access in Central and South America, Ukraine, and China. We are thrilled with the evolution of our partnership.”
The extended relationship will expand and accelerate American Vanguard’s growing GreenSolutions™ biological portfolio internationally and facilitate NewLeaf’s objective of securing wider market penetration of its unique and proprietary PPFM technology.
AMVAC will leverage its international market access, strong sales teams in Latin America and Ukraine, and its operational expertise relating to our portfolio of GreenSolutions™ biologicals. The international expansion builds upon the 2023 launch of AMVAC’s BioWake™ dual-use biological seed treatment application in the U.S. planter box market. BioWake leverages NewLeaf’s microbial inoculants, along with Low Mu Tech’s DUST soy protein planter lubricant, to provide growers a safer, greener alternative to current talc- and graphite-based seed lubricants.
NewLeaf brings to the partnership its proprietary microbial library, proven research and development capabilities, and current product offering including naturally occurring microbes that deliver a range of benefits to crops throughout the entire growing season. Leading this new class of ag biologicals are NewLeaf’s microbial inoculants, which can make crops stronger, more resilient, and more tolerant of abiotic stress throughout their life cycle.
Mr. Bob Trogele, COO and Executive Vice President, AMVAC, said, “We have worked with NewLeaf for two years now and continue to see the unique benefits for growers who are increasing yield on soybean and corn, while also providing a meaningful ROI. NewLeaf’s technology, coupled with Low Mu Tech’s soybean-based seed lubricant, will help us extend our BioWake brand internationally.”
Mr. Brent Smith, President and CEO of NewLeaf Symbiotics, said, “We are excited to build on our relationship with AMVAC in the United States and beyond. We anticipate BioWake™, driven by our PPFM technology, will have great impact on the acre. And we know that NewLeaf and AMVAC will see great future success together by leveraging AMVAC’s market access in Central and South America, Ukraine, and China. We are thrilled with the evolution of our partnership.”
Greg Thompson Joins NewLeaf Board of Directors
Biological and agriculture industry veteran to add unique expertise as advisor to the science-led start-up
ST. LOUIS - NewLeaf Symbiotics, announces today the addition of Greg Thompson as an independent director to its Board. Thompson, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Intrinsyx Bio, brings a strong background in commercialization and biologicals to the board, which he will join beginning September 2024.
“Greg’s industry experience with full-scale agriculture and biological startups makes him a perfect fit for our Board of Directors,” says Brent Smith, NewLeaf’s CEO and President. “We look forward to his guidance and the perspective he will bring as NewLeaf enters its next phase of rapid growth.”
With over 25 years of experience in agriculture and industrials, Thompson has held numerous executive leadership roles, including CEO of Intrinsyx Bio, CEO of PureField Ingredients – the largest wheat protein producer in North America, CEO of White Energy, President and COO of Verdesian Life Sciences, EVP of Nufarm and various positions at BASF. Additionally, he has served in advisory roles at Bain & Company and is a Senior Operating Partner at Inverness Graham. Throughout his career, he has co-led M&A transactions totaling over $1.3B. Thompson also serves as the Board Chair of Custom Agronomics and an Executive Board Member for My Yield. He holds a B.S. in Marketing and Finance from Penn State University and has completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School.
“With my deep roots in and passion for the biological space and experience driving startups to success, this board appointment is a natural fit,” says Thompson. “I’ve been impressed with NewLeaf’s philosophy of science-led, performance-driven and data-backed biological solutions.”
Earlier this year, NewLeaf introduced TS201, a first-of-its-kind, revolutionary bioinsecticide that repels corn rootworm larvae at the root. Thompson’s commercialization and collaboration experience will help to expand the reach of this and other NewLeaf technologies.
NewLeaf’s portfolio spans biological innovations from biostimulants and biocontrol options, such as bioinsecticides and biofungicides, to nutrient use efficiency and greenhouse gas emission solutions.
ST. LOUIS - NewLeaf Symbiotics, announces today the addition of Greg Thompson as an independent director to its Board. Thompson, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Intrinsyx Bio, brings a strong background in commercialization and biologicals to the board, which he will join beginning September 2024.
“Greg’s industry experience with full-scale agriculture and biological startups makes him a perfect fit for our Board of Directors,” says Brent Smith, NewLeaf’s CEO and President. “We look forward to his guidance and the perspective he will bring as NewLeaf enters its next phase of rapid growth.”
With over 25 years of experience in agriculture and industrials, Thompson has held numerous executive leadership roles, including CEO of Intrinsyx Bio, CEO of PureField Ingredients – the largest wheat protein producer in North America, CEO of White Energy, President and COO of Verdesian Life Sciences, EVP of Nufarm and various positions at BASF. Additionally, he has served in advisory roles at Bain & Company and is a Senior Operating Partner at Inverness Graham. Throughout his career, he has co-led M&A transactions totaling over $1.3B. Thompson also serves as the Board Chair of Custom Agronomics and an Executive Board Member for My Yield. He holds a B.S. in Marketing and Finance from Penn State University and has completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School.
“With my deep roots in and passion for the biological space and experience driving startups to success, this board appointment is a natural fit,” says Thompson. “I’ve been impressed with NewLeaf’s philosophy of science-led, performance-driven and data-backed biological solutions.”
Earlier this year, NewLeaf introduced TS201, a first-of-its-kind, revolutionary bioinsecticide that repels corn rootworm larvae at the root. Thompson’s commercialization and collaboration experience will help to expand the reach of this and other NewLeaf technologies.
NewLeaf’s portfolio spans biological innovations from biostimulants and biocontrol options, such as bioinsecticides and biofungicides, to nutrient use efficiency and greenhouse gas emission solutions.
ST. LOUIS – NewLeaf Symbiotics, the global leader and pioneer of pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFMs), has announced the launch of TS201, its first EPA-registered biocontrol technology to repel Corn Rootworm (CRW) pest activity and help corn varieties grow to their fullest potential with stronger roots. CRW is an increasing threat to farming operations and corn crop yields with the rise of insect variants that are adapting and thwarting historic methods farmers have used to manage and control the pests.
NewLeaf’s TS201 technology introduces a new mode of action for CRW control, priming the plant’s own defenses to produce a compound that repels larvae at the root. Designed to complement existing crop protection and trait strategies, TS201 is extremely effective in repelling CRW and boosting root mass. When paired with the NewLeaf corn biostimulant, it provides yield protection both with and without CRW pressure.
“Protecting corn varieties from devastating CRW has been a growing pressure for farmers, especially since pest variants are outlasting crop rotation and lying dormant for years. Ahead of the upcoming planting season, we’re proud to introduce a new and research-proven solution to help farmers win that battle,” said Brent Smith, CEO and president of NewLeaf Symbiotics. “We’ve tested TS201 in lab assays and field trials to document its effectiveness and we found overwhelming success in the 10-year discovery and development process.”
NewLeaf’s lab testing has proven that when given a choice between treated and untreated roots, 80% of CRW larvae will choose an untreated root sample, while only 4% chose the treated sample.
When applied in the field, growers also can experience proven yield advantages including significant crop retention, increase in yield, decrease in lodging and measurable results in root density. Compared to the standard root growth farmers look to achieve, the TS201 technology provided 9% more fine roots, 16% greater root surface area and 10% deeper roots.
“This means that with our TS201 technology, the plant’s immune system is primed, it grows healthier through better nutrient and water uptake and is less prone to lodging compared to insecticide or traited management alone,” said Dr. Natalie Breakfield, Vice President of Research and Discovery at NewLeaf Symbiotics. “This is a year where growers are experiencing unprecedented financial pressures. Having a CRW defense plan is even more critical to ensure better yield results.”
NewLeaf’s TS201 technology is currently available through partnerships with Meristem Crop Performance in its GUARDX™ for corn product pending EPA approval, Low Mu Tech in its Terrasym 450+DUST™ + TS201 CRW product and AMVAC in its BioWake™ Prime bioinsecticide product. Additionally, NewLeaf is evaluating potential combinations of TS201 technology and other existing products ahead of the 2024 planting season and beyond.
NewLeaf has sequenced 6,500 PPFMs, which are natural pink microbes that originate on every plant, to develop actionable solutions to some of farmers’ biggest challenges: yield, crop protection, nutrient use efficiency and methane mitigation. In addition to the new TS201technology, NewLeaf currently offers biostimulant technologies for corn, soy, cotton and peanut.