Evaluating the effect of biostimulants to enhance the growth and quality of Agave spp.

• Grant number: 23/08007-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2023
• End date: June 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Plant Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Gonçalo Amarante Guimarães Pereira
• Grantee: Francis Monteiro de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Agave has a significant potential for the production of bioenergy due to its physiological characteristics and the high sugar concentration in its leaves and stem. However, its slow growthhas been a challenge for its commercial exploitation. Furthermore, the lack of proper management and efficient cultivation techniques have impacted the plant productivity. An alternativepromising to accelerate Agave growth and improve its management is the use of biostimulants.These substances stimulate the growth and development of plants, increasing theirtolerance to environmental stresses and improving nutrient absorption. When applying biostimulantsin Agave, it is possible to increase efficiency in production and resource allocation, accelerating itsdevelopment and growth. Additionally, these compounds can improve the content and profile ofsugars in Agave leaves, thus optimizing their use for the production of bioenergy. Among the different types of biostimulants, the ones based on nanotechnology and amino acids stand out the most. Considering that, the goal of this project is to investigate the effects of exogenous applicationof these compounds in young Agave plants and evaluate the growth profile by analyzing the leaf area and biomass production (fresh and dry). We expect to detect an increase in the speed of growth, number of leaves and total biomass of plants handled. This type of approach in Agave research is original and innovative, likely resulting in benefits for agricultural production and the environment, helping to expand the knowledge of the Agave physiology and to better manage this crop of great economic and social importance. The results obtained will help to unravel the growth mechanisms of this plant, significantly contributing to the scientific community and the Agaveproductive sector.