Green Chemistry: Harpin Technology

Harpin is a naturally occuring bacterial protein that is being used to replace the pesticide (and more specifically, soil fumigant) , methyl bromide. This protein can be isolated from proteins. When applied to plants it initiates plant defenses against bacterial, viral, and other types of diseases. The harpin initiates the plants "hypersensitive response" and physically barricades infection from spreading. Another benefit to harpin use may be that pests can not form an immunity to it because it indirectly affects them. Additionally, harpin has no effect on the plant's DNA, it is only able to activate the plant's innate defenses. The benefits of harpin technology are plentiful: it's production only produces biodegradable waste, harpin itself has low toxicity, and it can also act as a plant growth stimulant!