Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Agave spp.: screening of mycorrhizal colonization in the Active Germplasm Bank and elucidation of the effects on plant growth

• Grant number: 24/10364-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy
• Principal Investigator: Gonçalo Amarante Guimarães Pereira
• Grantee: Maria Luisa da Costa Pereira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The agave stands out for its great potential in bioenergy production due to its physiological properties and high sugar concentration. However, the plant's slow growth and inadequate management practices pose significant challenges for its commercial exploitation. To maximize this economic and productive potential, it is essential to optimize management practices and adopt sustainable approaches. In this context, the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) emerges as a promising solution. AMF form symbiotic associations with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which can reduce the need for and dependency on chemical phosphate fertilizers, thereby lowering costs and environmental impacts. Additionally, AMF improve soil structure and health, promoting more sustainable and efficient agriculture. This project aims to optimize sustainable agave management through inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and the application of the synthetic hormone strigolactone. We propose to evaluate mycorrhizal colonization rates in different agave accessions from the Germplasm Active Bank (BAG) at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) and conduct greenhouse experiments to investigate growth induction in young Agave spp. plants inoculated with commercial AMF. Furthermore, we will assess the impact of exogenous strigolactone application on mycorrhizal colonization rates and reducing sugar content in these plants. This study will provide significant advancements in agave management, directly benefiting the economies of semi-arid regions and promoting the development of new biotechnological technologies.