Biocontrol microorganism screening for soil-borne pathogens in colombian horticultural crops
AGROSAVIA seeks to evaluate 831 preserved biocontrol microorganism isolates against soil pathogens Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium oxysporum in chili, tomato, pepper, and beans. The research compares CMIC isolates with commercial products Tricotec® and Rhapsody® to identify superior candidates for biological control in the Colombian Caribbean Region.
Overview
AGROSAVIA's Collection of Microorganisms with Interest in Biological Control (CMIC) preserves 831 isolates of microorganisms with potential for controlling agricultural pests. This research initiative aims to screen these isolates to identify candidates with biocontrol efficacy comparable to or exceeding commercial products such as Tricotec® (based on Trichoderma koningiopsis Th003) and Rhapsody® (based on Bacillus subtilis QST-713). The focus is on managing soil-borne pathogens Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium oxysporum, which affect horticultural crops including chili, tomato, sweet pepper, and beans in the Colombian Caribbean Region.
The project addresses a critical gap: while commercial biocontrol products are registered in Colombia for soil pathogen control, neither the CMIC isolates nor the commercial products have been systematically evaluated against resistance structures of these pathogens under Caribbean agricultural conditions. Identifying effective native isolates could lead to regionally adapted biocontrol solutions tailored to local cropping systems.
Technical specifications
Research approach:
- Standardization of pathogenicity tests to evaluate virulence of S. rolfsii and F. oxysporum in chili, tomato, sweet pepper, and beans
- In vitro evaluation of promising microorganisms to reduce pathogen growth
- Assessment of germination inhibition of F. oxysporum resistance structures using liquid culture supernatants
- Evaluation of parasitic capacity on sclerotia of S. rolfsii
- Field trials measuring disease incidence reduction by promising microorganisms compared to Tricotec® and Rhapsody®
Key biological targets:
- Soil pathogens: Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium oxysporum
- Crop systems: chili, tomato, sweet pepper, and beans in the Colombian Caribbean Region
- Comparison benchmarks: Trichoderma koningiopsis Th003 and Bacillus subtilis QST-713
Technology readiness level
This research is at an early-to-mid stage of development. AGROSAVIA has already developed and registered Tricotec® based on Trichoderma koningiopsis Th003, demonstrating capability in biocontrol product development. The current project focuses on laboratory standardization of pathogenicity tests, followed by in vitro screening, and ultimately field validation trials. The CMIC collection of 831 isolates represents a substantial resource for identifying new biocontrol candidates, but no specific isolates have yet been validated for efficacy against the target soil pathogens in Caribbean horticultural systems.
About Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria
AGROSAVIA is a Colombian decentralized public entity of mixed non-profit participation dedicated to agricultural science, technology, and innovation. The organization focuses on generating scientific knowledge and developing agricultural technology through research, technological adaptation, and the dissemination of technical expertise. Its operations are organized into specialized innovation networks, including cacao, fruits, vegetables, livestock, permanent crops, and roots and tubers. By bridging the gap between advanced research and practical application, AGROSAVIA develops improved crop varieties, such as biofortified beans and sugarcane, and establishes integrated management protocols to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
These efforts are vital for Colombian agricultural producers, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to improve competitiveness, ensure sustainable natural resource management, and raise their quality of life. Through initiatives like field schools and the provision of technical assistance, the corporation facilitates the transfer of technology and information to small-scale farmers. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, AGROSAVIA acts as a key driver for technical change in the national agricultural sector, helping producers modernize their practices and address challenges related to climate resilience and food security.
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