Biodegradable fungal material with trichoderma spores for crop biocontrol and growth enhancement

Overview

This solution proposes a biodegradable fungal material embedded with Trichoderma sp. spores that activates when placed in contact with crops. Once activated, the fungus supports plant growth and provides protection against pathogens, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals. The approach combines biocontrol science with biodegradable delivery, targeting commercial crops that drive the agricultural economy.

Technical specifications

• Spore fixation within a fungal biodegradable matrix using both direct fixation and encapsulation techniques to ensure stable delivery
• Activation on contact with the target crop, releasing viable Trichoderma spores at the plant interface
• Biocontrol functionality based on established Trichoderma sp. interactions with crops of commercial interest
• RNA expression analysis of the fungus at each stage of the process and during plant interaction, enabling mechanistic validation of efficacy
• Viability testing to confirm spore survival through fixation, storage, and activation phases

Technology readiness level

The concept is at an early research and validation stage. Prior laboratory work has established the interaction between Trichoderma sp. and commercial crops. Future validation steps include fabricating the fungal biodegradable material, testing spore fixation methods, confirming viability, evaluating plant–fungus interactions post-activation, and conducting RNA expression analyses. The technology is not yet ready for commercial deployment and requires further development and field validation.