Study of the transference of fixed nitrogen from the diazotrophic bacteria to sugarcane

• Grant number: 08/57937-6
• Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Regular Program Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2009
• End date: November 30, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Heloiza Ramos Barbosa
• Grantee: Heloiza Ramos Barbosa
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Sugarcane is one of the most important crops in Brazil. This crop has a low response to nitrogen fertilizer, and even small inputs cause environmental impact. The use of biofertilizer as diazotrophic endophytic bacteria and organic fertilizer can decrease this impact. Endophytic bacteria live inside plant tissues and do not visibly harm the host. The influence of these bacteria on sugarcane is under investigation in this project. Diazotrophic bacteria may play an important role in the nitrogen nutrition in sugarcane. The aim of the present project is to study the transference of fixed nitrogen from diazotrophic bacteria to sugarcane. To reach this objectives it will be performed: (1) analysis of the protein content and the C/N ratio in plantlets inoculated or not with endophytic diazotrophic bacteria isolated from sugarcane and submitted to different type of treatment: conventional, organic and control and (2) the evaluation of the possible interference of these bacteria on the nitrogen transport mechanism in sugarcane. (3) analysis of sugarcane callus grown in co-cultures with endophytic diazotrophic bacteria to study the bacterial interference on the callus proteins profile. Sugarcane callus can be used to evaluate if mixed diazotrophic bacteria can interact with each other and can also demonstrate the counter effect. The results obtained may contribute with knowledge on cultivation strategies. Thus, biodiversity will be used to the benefit of sustainable cultivation, evaluating the contribution of the nitrogen-fixing bacteria to the sugarcane, as well as the preservation of the soil and for the ecologic equilibrium. (AU)