Identification and characterization of microorganism with antifungal activity and its possible uses as biocontroller

• Grant number: 22/13180-6
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: October 01, 2023
• End date: June 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Biochemistry of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Aline Larissa Gonçalves
• Grantee: Aline Larissa Gonçalves
• Company: Gen&Vita Inova Simples (IS)
• CNAE: Cultivo de cereais ; Produção de sementes certificadas ; Atividades de pós-colheita
• City: São José dos Campos
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/13325-7 - Identification and characterization of microorganism with antifungal activity and its possible uses as biocontroller/ Cultivation and analysis of microorganism as antifungal biocontrollers for agriculture, BP.TT; 23/13296-7 - Identification and characterization of microorganism with antifungal activity and its possible uses as biocontroller, BP.PIPE

Abstract

The environmental and social problems related to the current industrialized agriculture model have generated great concerns worldwide. The widespread use and dependence of pesticides on crops field lead to contamination of the soil and groundwater, an increase in the emergence of resistant organisms, and poisoning of field workers due to incorrect handling and long exposure to chemical compounds. However, ways to maintain productivity with the minimum possible impacts are needed. Thus, the concept of agroecology has been getting interesting in recent years, as it seeks to make the transition from the current agricultural model to sustainable development, integrating biologically and ecologically-based technologies in production. Among the agroecology approaches, we can highlight the use of biological controllers as a means to reduce the use of pesticides in agriculture. Biological controllers are organisms naturally capable of inhibiting the growth of living beings considered agricultural pests, which cause losses to producers. In addition, biological controllers can be used in organic crops, helping to solve one of the main problems of producers: the lack of inputs for organic plantations. In this context, based on daily observations, we found a natural microorganism of microbiota skin that presents an antifungal action. Thus, the present research proposal intends to evaluate the antagonistic activity of this microorganism in the inhibition of the growth of pathogenic fungi, especially species that cause agricultural and human health damages belonging to the genus Aspergillus. From the characterization of this microorganism and also the molecules involved in its antagonistic mechanism, the objective is to develop a biologically based product that can be used as an alternative to chemicals used in agriculture, both in the pre- and post-cultivation (seed and grains, respectively) and can also be used directly on plants, avoiding fungal contamination. With this, it is expected to contribute to a conscious agricultural production in the environmental and social aspects, seeking the development of a national bioproduct, which can reach more quickly and accessible to rural producers, mainly to small and medium properties. (AU)