Two in one: Chitin/chitosan + peptides in the protection of phytopathogens and plant biostimulation

• Grant number: 24/03678-2
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Crop Science
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Mazzafera
• Grantee: Paulo Mazzafera
• Company: BLOOM BIOTECH P&D EM NUTRICAO E PROTECAO VEGETAL S A
• CNAE: Cultivo de cereais ; Horticultura ; Cultivo de café
• City: São Paulo

Abstract

Chitin and chitosan are known to induce pathogen resistance in plants. Exposure to these sugars activates protective mechanisms in the plant against infections by phytopathogens. Furthermore, it is recognized that these molecules can also stimulate the germination, growth and productivity of plants. Thus, this project aims to produce chitin oligomers from pure chitin, as well as using biomass from the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) to produce a mixture of chitin, chitosan, proteins and peptides. In the case of chitosan from deacetylated chitin, the focus is to seek a highly efficient pathogen resistance inducer and a biostimulant, modulating the degree of deacetylation in the production of active ingredients. In the case of BSF biomass, the aim is to have resistance-inducing components derived from chitin/chitosan and biostimulation active ingredients derived from proteins/peptides in the same extract. (AU)