Exploring antagonistic micro-organisms for controlling Fusarium graminearum and its associated mycotoxins

• Grant number: 23/16635-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2024
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Science
• Principal Investigator: Liliana de Oliveira Rocha
• Grantee: Liliana de Oliveira Rocha
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos (FEA). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Rosana Goldbeck Coelho ; Sabina Moser Tralamazza

Abstract

Fusarium graminearum sensu stricto (s.s.) is currently considered one of the five major cereal pathogens worldwide. The contamination of crops by this fungus represents a risk to the food industry and public health since this species has the potential to produce mycotoxins such as type B trichothecenes and zearalenone. In this regard, strategies for managing this microorganism are essential, with fungicides conventionally used. However, the indiscriminate use of these chemicals can trigger the development of resistant strains and result in damage to the environment. Furthermore, there are only a few products that are effective in suppressing the infection caused by F. graminearum s.s., which often makes their use unfeasible. Thus, biological control using antagonistic microorganisms, such as yeasts and mycoviruses, is a promising alternative for aiding the integrated management of this phytopathogen. However, there is currently a lack of studies that are focused on the description of new biological control agents (BCAs) and on the interactions during the contact of BCAs, the phytopathogen and the plant. This understanding is indispensable for the development of novel strategies based on BACs that can be used in field experiments and, therefore, aiding the current demand for a more sustainable agriculture. The aim of this project is to identify the most efficient BCA candidates (at least one yeast and one mycovirus) for the control of F. graminearum s.s. through in vitro and in vivo trials using barley as model, as well as to characterize the molecular interactions during the contact and its effect on the production of deoxynivalenol (DON), 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON) and zearalenone (ZEN). This project proposal is derived from our previous FAPESP grant (process 2017/04811-4). During our previous research, substantial levels of DON and ZEN were detected in barley grains, together with F. graminearum s.s. In this project proposal, we aim to use innovative strategies based on BCA to control F. graminearum s.s. and its mycotoxins, as well as to understand the biological mechanisms involved in this control. (AU)