Development of the formulation of insect symbiotic microorganisms as endophytic plant inoculants: a systemic approach against the main corn pests

• Grant number: 23/17709-4
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Plant Health
• Principal Investigator: Diandra Achre
• Grantee: Diandra Achre
• Company: Integra Soluções Sustentáveis Ltda
• CNAE: Cultivo de cereais ; Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• City: Jaú
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/11889-6 - Development of insect symbiotic microorganism formulation as plant endophytic inoculants: a systemic approach against major corn pests, BP.PIPE

Abstract

The use of microorganisms in agriculture has been growing in recent years. The main causes are its benefits to the plant and low environmental impact. Our project aims to use insect symbiotic microorganisms as plant inoculants to increase resistance against pests and diseases, in addition to increasing productivity. Although initial field results demonstrate high efficacy against larval of the Spodoptera complex and stink bugs in maize, demonstrating technological maturity (TRL) at level 05, for complete validation of the product, it is essential to improve the inoculant delivery process. This includes optimizing the formulation to extend shelf life and exploring new delivery modalities, such as using endospores for foliar inoculation of the product. Furthermore, whole genome sequencing information will be used to classify bacteria to species level and for further bioinformatics analysis. Before field testing the new formulations, laboratory tests and RT-qPCR will be used to validate and confirm the colonization of bacteria in the plant. At the same time, commercial registration of the product will begin. The results achieved in phase 01 of the PIPE program will have a crucial impact, raising the TRL maturity level to 06 and playing a fundamental role in the technical and economic validation of the Bioproduct. (AU)