Plant stimulants of the future: mechanisms of action and impact in sustainable agriculture.

• Grant number: 25/05512-7
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: July 19, 2025
• End date: September 18, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Flavia Vischi Winck
• Grantee: Flavia Vischi Winck
• Visiting researcher: Miguel Juan Beltran-Garcia
• Visiting researcher institution: Universidad Autónoma De Guadalajara/Uag, Mexico
• Host Institution: Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The project "Plant stimulants of the future: mechanisms of action and impact in sustainable agriculture" aims to deepen the scientific collaboration between the University of São Paulo and the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara through the visit of Prof. Dr. Miguel Juan Beltrán-García to the Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (CENA) and the Institute of Chemistry at USP. The proposal focuses on the investigation of endophytic bacteria associated with the microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the role of rare earth elements in plant growth and stress resistance. During his visit (June to August 2025), the researcher will participate in co-culture experiments with microalgae and bacteria, microscopic and metabolomic analyses, stable isotope nutrient translocation assays, and the design of microcosm trials with plants such as maize and soybean. The use of rare earth elements (such as lanthanum, cerium, and europium) as plant biostimulants, in combination with endophytic bacteria, will also be evaluated, offering an innovative approach to enhancing plant resilience to abiotic stresses. This proposal is integrated into two ongoing research projects: one focused on microalgal bionanotechnology applied to agriculture (CNPq Universal Grant), and another on arginine metabolism in C. reinhardtii (JGI/DOE), both coordinated by the host researcher, whose group was initially established with support from a FAPESP Young Investigator Grant. Expected outcomes include the identification of efficient symbiotic consortia and the development of new biofertilizer formulations with potential for technological innovation and environmental protection. The proposal strengthens an already well-established international collaboration and the training of qualified human resources through workshops, seminars, and institutional integration between Brazil and Mexico. The visit will significantly contribute to sustainable agricultural strategies and the promotion of food security. (AU)