Portfolio Spotlight: NewLeaf Symbiotics - Pioneering PPFM Technology for a Sustainable Agricultural Future
Few companies in our portfolio exemplify Pangaea’s mission more clearly than NewLeaf Symbiotics, a pioneer in agricultural biotechnology that's revolutionizing the approach to sustainable farming.
The Power of Pink
What makes NewLeaf truly stand out in the rapidly expanding biologicals market is their exclusive focus on Pink-Pigmented Facultative Methylotrophs (PPFMs). These naturally occurring microbes have become NewLeaf's signature technology, and for good reason. By sequencing over 6,500 PPFM strains, NewLeaf has built an unparalleled knowledge base that's powering a robust pipeline of agricultural solutions addressing critical global challenges.
Biologicals represent the fastest growing segment in agriculture due to their immense potential. NewLeaf has taken ownership of understanding PPFMs inside and out, establishing themselves as the global leader and pioneer of PPFM technology.
From Biostimulants to Biocontrol: A Growth Journey
NewLeaf's journey began with biostimulants - products that enhance plant vigor, root development, and nutrient uptake. These initial offerings proved the efficacy of PPFM technology in helping crops withstand abiotic stress while boosting yields - a critical win for farmers facing increasingly challenging growing conditions.
But the NewLeaf team wasn't content to stop there. With their deep expertise in PPFM biology, they've successfully expanded into biocontrol solutions with two EPA-registered products: TS601, a biofungicide that protects against pythium, a fungal-like pathogen, in soybeans, and TS201, an innovative bioinsecticide. Both products are now being commercialized across broader crop ranges and against diverse pathogens and pests, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of PPFM technology.
Breakthrough Success: TS201 Combating Corn Rootworm
TS201: Breakthrough Success Against Corn Rootworm
NewLeaf's EPA-registered bioinsecticide TS201 exemplifies their biocontrol innovation. In its first commercial season (2024), TS201 was planted on nearly 450,000 acres and delivered an impressive 9 bu/A yield advantage over standard practices. The product works by repelling corn rootworm larvae from feeding on roots, while also promoting root regrowth when damage occurs.
What distinguishes TS201 is its consistent performance regardless of corn rootworm pressure. Paired with a corn-specific PPFM biostimulant, it improves nutrient uptake and protects against abiotic stress throughout the growing season. Its effectiveness has won over even skeptical farmers, including national corn yield contest participants who have already incorporated it into their 2025 practices. This planter box-ready solution is now available through NewLeaf's expanding partner network.
Expanding Horizons: Nitrogen Efficiency and Methane Mitigation
Beyond biocontrol successes, NewLeaf continues to stretch the boundaries of what their technology can achieve with promising work in nitrogen efficiency and methane mitigation.
Their research into nitrogen use efficiency focuses on helping plants more effectively utilize this essential nutrient. Methanotrophs, which are similar to NewLeaf's PPFMs, have demonstrated the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere by breaking the triple bond, making this key nutrient more readily available throughout the growing season. The microbes have shown potential to increase nitrogen uptake in rice and corn, with a project currently underway to further quantify these results.
Simultaneously, their work on methane mitigation leverages methanotrophs' natural ability to consume greenhouse gases. NewLeaf's research has demonstrated that methanotrophs can digest methane in rice production, helping reduce environmental impacts. A project is currently underway with the DOE Joint Genomic Institute to quantify these promising results.
A Pipeline Full of Potential
Looking ahead, NewLeaf continues to expand their application of PPFM technology to new crops and challenges. Their R&D pipeline includes biostimulants in development for rice and canola, with more innovations on the horizon.
The benefits of early season vigor, enhanced root mass, and increased nutrient uptake benefit a range of crops. NewLeaf continues to use its extensive database to identify and select the best PPFM strains for various crops, with several biostimulants at different stages of development.
As global agriculture faces mounting pressure to feed a growing population while reducing environmental impacts, NewLeaf Symbiotics stands at the forefront of biological innovation. Their technology-powered products help farmers enhance productivity and sustainability, allowing them to do more with fewer resources. Integrated with existing crop management programs, NewLeaf's solutions improve the effectiveness of other crop inputs, delivering better results for growers while addressing critical challenges in yield, crop protection, nutrient efficiency, and methane mitigation.