MULTOVAC

three-component protection system against RNA viruses

Why universal protection is needed

Cucumber and tomato concurrently face multiple RNA viruses from different genera, thus requiring an agent with a broad spectrum that maintains activity under high viral loads.

Three-component protection of vegetable crops: how "Multovac" works

Protection without a single point of failure

Three independent mechanisms form a defense-in-depth system without a single point of failure. If one suppression element loses efficacy, the remaining ones continue to function. This principle expands the spectrum of action against viral infection and increases system resilience under changing phytosanitary conditions.
Three components working in concert

The idea of three-component protection lies at the core of the "Multovac" preparation. The integrated approach targets not a single phase, but a sequential containment of viral process development. As a result, the probability of maintaining healthy vegetative mass in vegetable crops increases.
Viral load control under real-world conditions

Phytosanitary risks for greenhouse and field farms are often amplified by the variability of infections and growing conditions. The application of a three-component suppression scheme helps keep the viral load under control. This is important for both practitioners and researchers developing protection protocols.

Component 1: recombinant nuclease

Origin and activity
Recombinant non-specific nuclease is obtained by heterologous expression; activity is expressed in U/mg of protein. The enzyme cleaves phosphodiester bonds in single- and double-stranded RNA and DNA.

Enzymatic degradation
Viral genomes and replication transcripts become the target. Nucleic acid fragmentation leads to a loss of infectivity and interrupts intracellular replication of the pathogen.

Broad non-specific effect
For RNA viruses, such a mechanism is particularly important, as it does not depend on the pathogen's species and reduces the probability of resistance development.

Component 2: chitosan as an elicitor of systemic resistance

Physicochemical basis
Low-molecular-weight, highly deacetylated chitosan with a DD ≥96% possesses high charge density and interacts effectively with leaf cellular structures.

Signaling response
Binding to membrane receptors triggers the MAPK cascade and the induction of PR genes, including PR-1, PR-2, PR-3, and PR-5.

Systemic resistance
As a result, SAR mechanisms are activated, phytoalexins accumulate, and the barrier function of cell walls is enhanced.

Surface barrier
Additionally, a polycationic film is formed on the leaf surface, which reduces the probability of initial adsorption of viral particles.

Component 3: chaga extract with a direct antiviral effect

Complex composition
The aqueous chaga extract contains a chromogenic complex of at least 45% and combines melanins, polyphenols, hydroxycarboxylic acids, and pterins.

Blocking penetration
The components of the complex hinder virus adsorption onto cell receptors and disrupt the early stage of infection prior to penetration into the cell.

Direct antiviral action
Additionally, the complex interacts with the capsid and inhibits viral RNA polymerase, reducing replication efficiency.

Associated protection
Antioxidant properties support the protection of plant tissues and reduce associated oxidative stress.

"Multovac" application regulations: concentration and early treatments for prevention

Start according to regulations: working solution 1:100

Three-component protection of vegetable crops begins with the preparation of a working solution in a 1:100 proportion. Next, it is crucial to maintain the application window: treatments are carried out as early as possible, synchronizing them with plant development. This approach sets a reliable foundation for the stable preventive action of the "Multovac" preparation.
Cucumber: treatment in the 3–4 leaf stage

The key benchmark for cucumber is the 3–4 leaf stage. It is during this period that early treatment allows for the formation of uniform coverage and supports maximum preventive efficiency. Visually, the plant is already sufficiently developed for the working solution to distribute effectively across the vegetative mass.
Tomato: application at the 2–3 leaf stage

For tomatoes, the regulations require application at the 2–3 leaf stage. Adherence to this early phase and its repeatability ensures uniform coverage and maximum preventative efficiency. Thus, treatments are structured based on phenological traits rather than a calendar schedule, which helps maintain technological precision.

Three-component protection of tomato with the "Multovac" preparation: suppression of ToBRFV, PepMV, ToMV, and TMV without pronounced damage compared to the control

Complete suppression of four viruses in tomato

Three-component protection against ToBRFV, PepMV, ToMV, and TMV has been demonstrated in tomato. With weekly treatments over a period of 6 weeks and inoculation at week 2, complete suppression of the infection was observed.
Observation 4 weeks after infection

The effect persisted 4 weeks after infection: all four viruses were completely suppressed. In the control variants, pronounced plant damage was noted, which confirms the efficacy of the protective scheme.
Practical treatment scheme: 6 weeks with early inoculation

The experimental scenario is structured around the practical logic of application: regular treatments starting from an early period after inoculation. Such a scheme allows for linking the protective action of the preparation with the dynamics of symptom development and the degree of infection.

"Multovac" triple-action protection: three mechanisms — one outcome

Enzymatic cleavage of the viral genome

Multovac triggers enzymatic degradation of the viral genome, thereby restricting pathogen replication at early stages. This mechanism reduces viral load and decreases the likelihood of infection establishing itself within tissue cultures.
SAR induction: enhancing plant defense response

The second component of the product is linked to the induction of systemic acquired resistance (SAR). This triggers a plant response that enhances defensive reactions against viruses and helps maintain a barrier against subsequent infection development.
Triple protection loop and resistance control

The third component of Multovac delivers direct antiviral action, complementing the other two mechanisms. Together, the complex provides protection against seven viruses, suppresses early-stage infection, and reportedly does not create conditions for resistance, which is essential for sustainable use throughout the season.