Broad-spectrum plant fungicide derived from microbial extract
A liquid filtrate from an isolated fungi demonstrates strong biocide activity against multiple plant pathogens, including M. oryzae, B. cinerea, P. expansum, and F. oxysporum. In vitro and in planta (tomato) testing show over 90% growth inhibition, offering a promising natural alternative to conventional fungicides for Mediterranean crop protection.
Overview
This solution is a bioactive liquid filtrate produced by a fungi strain isolated at InnovPlantProtect (InPP). The extract functions as a broad-spectrum biocide, antagonizing multiple plant pathogenic fungi responsible for significant crop losses. Laboratory validation has demonstrated consistent inhibition rates exceeding 90% against key pathogens including Magnaporthe oryzae, Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum, and Fusarium oxysporum. In planta testing on tomato plants infected with Botrytis cinerea confirmed strong protective activity. This biosolution offers agricultural producers a natural, sustainable alternative or complement to synthetic fungicides, supporting integrated pest management strategies and reducing chemical inputs.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Liquid filtrate derived from a fungi strain isolated by InPP
- Consistent growth inhibition above 90% in dual plate solid assays against four major plant pathogens
- Growth inhibition above 90% confirmed in dual liquid media spectrophotometry fluorescent assays (96-well format)
- Demonstrated efficacy in planta on tomato against Botrytis cinerea
- Potential application across multiple crops affected by fungal pathogens
- Compatible with sustainable agriculture and reduced chemical fungicide use
Research approach:
- Optimization of defined media for bioactivity production
- Identification of the bioactive molecule or molecules responsible for fungicidal action
- Development of a simple, cost-effective fermentation process for scale-up
- Preparation for field trials to validate real-world agricultural performance
Technology readiness level
This technology is at an early-to-mid development stage. In vitro biocide activity has been validated with multiple biological and technical replicates against four plant pathogenic fungi, and initial in planta testing on tomato has shown promising results. Future work includes optimizing production media, identifying the active biomolecule or molecules, developing scalable fermentation, and conducting field trials. The project is estimated to take approximately one and a half years to complete. InPP is seeking partnerships for analytical support to identify the bioactive compounds, funding for in planta experiments, and collaboration on scale-up and field validation.
About InnovPlantProtect
InnovPlantProtect (InPP) is a private, non-profit Collaborative Laboratory (CoLAB) based in Elvas, Portugal, dedicated to advancing agricultural sustainability through science and technology. The organization develops innovative biosolutions for plant health and creates digital management tools to address the challenges of emerging pests and diseases, particularly in Mediterranean crops. Their multidisciplinary team of over 30 researchers utilizes advanced techniques in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and nanotechnology. Additionally, the lab implements risk modeling and diagnostic services, incorporating technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, and sensor-based cyber-physical systems to improve crop yields and promote environmental responsibility.
The laboratory serves as a bridge between academia and industry, fostering partnerships with research institutions, agricultural associations, and multinational companies to design, test, and license effective protection solutions. By focusing on the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity, InPP provides essential support to farmers and the agro-food sector in their transition to more efficient, data-driven farming practices. Their work includes diverse projects such as biological fertilization, genomic surveillance, and the development of sustainable biopesticides, ultimately aiming to reduce crop losses and revitalize agricultural regions in Portugal.
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