Root-knot Nematode Resistance Gene Patent Grant

ChangeBridge: Patent Grants - Peptides (C07K)

Published March 31st, 2026

Detected March 31st, 2026

Summary

USPTO granted patent US12588644B2 to Rijk Zwaan Zaadteelt En Zaadhandel B.V. covering a nucleic acid encoding the MeR1 protein that confers resistance to root-knot nematode in Solanaceae plants. The patent includes 18 claims covering the gene sequences, amino acid sequences, and methods of using the resistance gene in plant breeding. The inventors are Raoul Jacobus Johannes Maria Frijters, Jonathan Kalisvaart, and Adriaan Verhage.

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What changed

The USPTO issued Patent No. US12588644B2 to Rijk Zwaan B.V. on March 31, 2026, granting exclusive rights to a nucleic acid sequence encoding the MeR1 protein for root-knot nematode resistance in Solanaceae plants. The patent claims protect nucleotide sequences with at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NOs 2-9 and amino acid sequences with at least 85% identity to SEQ ID NOs 10-17, as well as plants, seeds, and methods for identifying and producing resistant plants.

R&D teams developing nematode-resistant crops, seed companies working with Solanaceae varieties (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant), and biotechnology firms conducting plant genetic research should conduct freedom-to-operate analyses to ensure their products do not infringe this patent. No immediate compliance deadline exists as this is a granted patent notification. Infringement consequences include potential injunctions and damages in patent litigation.

What to do next

Conduct freedom-to-operate analysis if developing nematode-resistant Solanaceae varieties
Review existing research programs for potential licensing needs
Update patent portfolio tracking databases with US12588644B2

Source document (simplified)

← USPTO Patent Grants

Root-knot nematode resistance conferring gene

Grant US12588644B2 Kind: B2 Mar 31, 2026

Assignee

RIJK ZWAAN ZAADTEELT EN ZAADHANDEL B.V.

Inventors

Raoul Jacobus Johannes Maria Frijters, Jonathan Kalisvaart, Adriaan Verhage

Abstract

A nucleic acid encoding an MeR1 protein, which confers resistance to root-knot nematode when present in a Solanaceae plant is provided. Said nucleic acid has a nucleotide sequence that may comprise a coding sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, or a coding sequence having at least 90% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9; or a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17, or a protein having an amino acid sequence having at least 85% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17. The invention further relates to plants and seeds which may comprise the nucleic acid, methods for making and identifying such plants and use of the nucleic acid.