Development of a New Generation Biological Nematicide

• Grant number: 23/18235-6
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: April 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Marcelo Ribeiro
• Grantee: Carlos Marcelo Ribeiro
• Company: Biotech Business Biotechnology Solutions Ltda
• CNAE: Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• City: Itu
• Associated researchers: Henrique Iglesias Neves ; Liliana Estupiñán López
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/12419-0 - Development of a new generation biological nematicide, BP.PIPE

Abstract

The Brazilian agricultural sector is the fourth most productive on the planet, being responsible for almost 8% of the total grain production. For this same reason, the size of its economical impact is not surprising. The recent harvest of 2022/23 yielded approximately R$ 1.3 trillion and represented together with livestock, forestry and fishery, almost 5% of Brazilian GDP. In order to maintain the competitiveness of this sector worldwide, effective control of crop pests is essential.Attacks from nematodes to plantations are one of the biggest current problems and cause losses estimated in R$65 billion. Only in soybean culture yearly losses reach R$27.7 billion. This means that, for every 10 harvests, one is lost to nematodes. Those worms inhabit soil present in humid and warm regions and mainly attack roots, leading to reduced growth and even to death of plants. Traditional chemical nematicides have reduced efficacy and can cause environmental damages due to its inherently toxicity. Alternatives in the form of biological control are increasing in relevancy not only due the lower environmental impact caused, but also due its specificity. The bioinput market is expanding notably, with an increase in the order of 67% reaching a total of R$2.9 billion in 2021/22 harvest. Between those bionematices lead, representing 40% of total or R$1.15 billion. The ineffectiveness of traditional chemical products to control sickness from the soil make even more urgent the search for more efficient and sustainable alternatives.In this project, Biotech Business proposes the development of a new generation biological nematicide based on the sinergistic action of bacterial and fungal isolates that promises wider spectrum of action, efficacy and reduced environmental impact that can be promptly integrated with conventional agricultural practices. To achieve this, we will develop this project in 4 main stages: 1 - screening and strain previously isolated for desired effect against nematodes; 2 - development of a bioprocess within liquid media; 3 - development of an exclusive formulation; and 4 - tests of efficacy in planta. This way, with the growing market of bioinputs and wider awareness of the importance of agricultural sustainability, a new generation bionematicide will soon become more than an alternative, it will be the first option. (AU)