Optimization of the production and formulation of biocontroller of phytopathogens

• Grant number: 01/13362-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: April 01, 2003
• End date: November 30, 2003
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Teresa Jacoba Cesare Vidaurre
• Grantee: Teresa Jacoba Cesare Vidaurre
• Company: Cyrbe do Brasil Indústria Química Ltda

Abstract

Brazil is considered one of the largest producers of grain and fruit in the world, with agriculture one of the most important bases of the national economy. Nevertheless, some problems with fungi attacks, as well as a lack of infrastructure lead to considerable losses of production in the course of cultivation, harvesting, transporting and storing. The growing resistance of phytopathogenic fungi to chemical fungicides has increased the consumption of these chemical pesticides in the control of the fungi, causing serious damage to the environment. The use of micro-organisms to control phytopathogens could be direct, when the microorganisms are used live, or indirect, by the application of their metabolytes. In both cases it is necessary to source products which maintain the characteristics of the microorganisms or their metabolytes. Thus, these products need to be adequately formulated to facilitate commercialization, transport, application and storage, without great changes occurring to their characteristics. The resistance of metabolytes produced by Bacillus subtilis to heat and the formation of highly resistant endospores, are excellent characteristics for the commercial development of formulations of this bacteria. In this undertaking, the objective is to launch on the Brazilian market a biological product for the control of pests and fungal diseases in agricultural crops and in post-harvested fruits of economic interest. Processes were developed for the production by submerged fermentation of a biocontroller of phytopathogenic fungi derived from Bacillus subtilis progeny, isolated from Brazilian ecosystems, with proven antagonistic activity towards phytopathogenic fungi and mycotoxigens. Currently we are testing the application of the product for the treatment of several crop plantings. (AU)