Biofungicidal extracts from entomopathogenic fungi for controlling key colombian crop pathogens
Research platform leveraging entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria and Metarhizium) to produce crude extracts and organic fractions with fungicidal activity against Moniliophthora, Fusarium oxysporum, and Phytophthora—three phytopathogens causing up to 60% crop losses in Colombia. The solution offers a sustainable alternative to conventional agrochemical fungicides.
Overview
This research program develops environmentally friendly biofungicidal solutions by harnessing metabolites produced by entomopathogenic fungi—specifically Beauveria and Metarhizium species—as a biological alternative for controlling three phytopathogens of major economic importance in Colombian agriculture: Moniliophthora sp. (causal agent of cacao diseases such as frosty pod rot and witches' broom), Fusarium oxysporum (vascular wilt across multiple crops), and Phytophthora sp. (root and stem rot). These pathogens can cause production losses of up to 60%, and current management relies heavily on synthetic fungicides that pose environmental and health risks. By isolating and characterizing fungicidal compounds from entomopathogenic fungi, the project aims to deliver a more sustainable phytosanitary management tool for Colombian producers.
Technical specifications
Approach and methodology:
- Dual-culture bioassays are used to screen entomopathogenic fungi for their ability to inhibit the growth of Phytophthora, Moniliophthora, and Fusarium phytopathogens.
- Fungal strains showing the highest antagonistic activity are selected and fermented in liquid media to produce crude extracts.
- Crude extracts are evaluated in vitro against the target phytopathogens, and the most active extract undergoes organic fractionation to isolate specific fungicidal compounds.
- Mycelial growth inhibition percentage is measured as the primary efficacy metric.
- All bioassays are performed in triplicate; data are analyzed using ANOVA and mean comparisons via Tukey's test to ensure statistical rigor.
- Future work includes isolating entomopathogenic fungi from the phyllosphere (the leaf-surface microbial community) of Theobroma cacao plants in producing regions, followed by fermentation, biomass removal, and organic fractionation.
- Effective concentrations (EC50 and EC90) of both crude extracts and organic fractions will be determined in laboratory trials to quantify dose-response relationships.
Key features:
- Targets three high-impact phytopathogens simultaneously.
- Uses biological control agents rather than synthetic chemicals, reducing environmental and health risks.
- Combines whole-organism screening with downstream chemical fractionation to identify active compounds.
- Statistical validation built into every stage of the bioassay pipeline.
Technology readiness level
The research is at an early-to-mid stage of development (TRL 3–4). Initial dual-culture assays with crude extracts of Beauveria and Metarhizium have demonstrated inhibitory activity against phytopathogenic fungi. The current phase focuses on selecting the most promising entomopathogenic strains, producing crude extracts through liquid fermentation, and performing organic fractionation to identify and characterize the active fungicidal compounds. Future validation will expand to isolating native entomopathogens from cacao phyllosphere, determining effective concentrations (EC50 and EC90), and evaluating extracts under more realistic laboratory conditions. Field validation and formulation development have not yet been initiated.
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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