Chemical study of the symbiont fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus in co-culture with other fungus involved in the garden of leaf-cutter ants

• Grant number: 16/12304-2
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2016
• Effective date (End): January 01, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal researcher: João Batista Fernandes
• Grantee: Alana Kelyene Pereira
• Home Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 12/25299-6 - Integrated studies for leaf cutting control, AP.TEM
• Associated scholarship(s): 18/21936-8 - Characterization of the ecological function of the black yeast Phialophora fastigiata associated with leaf cutting ants, BE.EP.DD

Abstract

Currently, Brazil has large economic relations and development related to Agriculture. With favorable conditions, climate, natural and geographical diversity, has some 388 million of fertile arable land and high productivity (BRAZIL, 2009). With all these factors in favor, added to significant productivity gains, observed in recent years, today Brazil is a prominent place in the global supply of agricultural products. Since presents vast biodiversity, this broad diversification also relates to insect pests, fungus and weeds that may hinder the development of Agriculture. Many pesticides and herbicides have been used in the plantations, but the environmental concern should be the primary concern. Therefore, the use of new chemical control techniques have been studied and used in world Agriculture. This control is done through the use of agrochemicals, the group of substances that may act to control insects (insecticides), fungus (fungicide) and weeds (herbicides). Agrochemicals are compounds that selectively destroy or hold the growth of insects and weeds. But with frequent application, organisms can develop some resistance, contributing to environmental contamination and human health. Thus, we see the need for alternative and effective strategies for the reduction and rational use of pesticides. An example is the use of micro-organisms such as fungus saprobes that produce metabolites can be used with pesticides or inhibit its function against invading insect. Therefore, this project aims to show that knowledge of the natural products chemistry together with the pest integrated management and control biorracional insect pests, can enable the development of effective control of leaf-cutting ants methods from the fungus symbiont co-culture and, also provide an innovative alternative to implement them through nanoencapsulation methodology. (AU)