Development of a broad spectrum herbicide produced by microorganisms

• Grant number: 16/21246-6
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: September 01, 2017
• End date: July 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Rafael Leandro de Figueiredo Vasconcellos
• Grantee: Rafael Leandro de Figueiredo Vasconcellos
• Company: Itatijuca Biotech Ltda
• City: São Paulo
• Associated researchers: Dalton Vinicio Dorighello ; Rafael Leandro de Figueiredo Vasconcellos ; Wagner Clayton Correa
• Associated scholarship(s): 18/02660-1 - Development of a broad spectrum bioherbicide by microorganisms, BP.PIPE; 17/16798-2 - Development of a broad spectrum herbicide produced by microorganisms, BP.PIPE

Abstract

The present project relates to the development of a broad spectrum herbicide based on microorganisms, especially Streptomyces, as a source of phytotoxic compounds. The use of phytotoxins produced by Streptomyces as new biotechnological bioherbicides would be a potential application in agriculture, since there is an urgent need of developing of new pesticides due to weed resistance to current synthetic compounds marketed. The extract of Streptomyces will be tested for pre-emergent phytotoxic activity as an initial indicator of herbicide activity. The selected extracts will be tested in a greenhouse in monocots and dicots weeds. The technology that will be developed will result in an advantageous agricultural input still missing in the market. Thus, the product will be developed technologically to be cheaper than similar chemical and less toxic to the environment and to human and animal health. (AU)