Characterization of the potential of new bacterial species in the biological control of phytopathogenic microorganisms

• Grant number: 23/12729-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: María Eugenia Guazzaroni
• Grantee: Sarah Tasinafo Lopes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The bioeconomy promotes the use of biological products instead of fossil fuels, aiming for sustainable economic growth. In agriculture, technological innovation is essential for controlling pests and diseases in order to prevent negative environmental impacts of the agrochemical industry. In this context, biological control, using living organisms, also plays an important role, especially in Brazil, which, with its biodiversity, has the potential to excel in the bioinputs market and promote sustainable agricultural practices. As a result, the use of microbial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in agriculture is also gaining prominence, reducing the use of chemical pesticides and improving plant resistance. The present proposal aims to characterize the potential of new bacterial species in the biological control of phytopathogenic microorganisms and in the development and growth of beneficial microorganisms for plants. Thus, it seeks to determine whether these bacteria produce VOCs or soluble biomolecules with the potential to control phytopathogenic and beneficial bacteria. In particular, the effect of VOCs and soluble bacterial compounds from 10 bacteria (previously isolated in the receiving laboratory) on the growth of pathogenic bacteria Xanthomonas vesicularis and Erwinia billingiae and beneficial bacteria Streptomyces microflavus, Ensifer sesbaniae, and Bacillus thuringiensis will be analyzed. Additionally, tests will be conducted on the production of siderophores and phytohormones, biofilm formation, and phosphate solubilization, in order to assess the potential of these bacteria as beneficial organisms for plants. Finally, with the most promising bacteria, tests will be conducted on plant crops with the species Brachiaria brizantha with the intention of evaluating parameters such as dry biomass, total vertical growth of plants, root, stem, and leaf growth.