Evaluation of biopriming using orchidoid mycorrhizae for germination and growth of Urochloa brizantha cv Marandu and Urochloa humidicola cv Llanero

• Grant number: 25/19413-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Crop Science
• Principal Investigator: Ceci Castilho Custódio
• Grantee: Giulia Muniz Peres
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Mycorrhizae represent symbiotic associations of fundamental importance in agricultural and ecological systems, establishing an interaction between fungi and plant root systems. This symbiosis is recognized for optimizing the acquisition of nutrients from the soil by plants, especially phosphorus, and for improving the efficiency of soil volume exploitation. Consequently, mycorrhizae promote plant development, mitigate the impact of environmental stresses, and contribute significantly to crop nutrition and productivity, aligning with principles of agricultural sustainability. Orchid mycorrhizae constitute a specialized type of mycorrhizal association, essential for the germination, development and persistence of orchids, playing a critical role in the conservation of these species, in addition to being a source of diversity for prospecting for fungi capable of providing benefits to other plants. Some of these isolates, because they are non-specific, can interact with other plants. Grasses, especially tropical forages, are the basis of animal production in pastures. However, extensive livestock farming still has low productivity, and improving pasture productivity would bring direct benefits for meat and milk production. To this end, isolated mycorrhizal fungi putatively belonging to the genera Ceratorhyza and Epulorhyza will be used. These fungi will be cultivated on oat agar, and from the mycorrhizal plates, propagules will be removed and inoculated into the seeds of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu and Urochloa humidicola cv. Llanero using the biopriming technique. The inoculated seeds will be used while still moist, 48 hours after drying, and after three months of storage. The plants produced will be monitored for growth for six months in a greenhouse. (AU)