Electrospun nanofiber seed coating with trichoderma for biofungicide and plant growth promotion
A biodegradable electrospun nanofiber system that immobilizes Trichoderma conidia for use as a rice seed coating. The technology aims to extend conidia shelf life, deliver controlled release of the biofungicide, and reduce reliance on chemical fungicides and fertilizers.
Overview
This solution uses electrospinning to create biobased polymer nanofibers that immobilize Trichoderma conidia, producing a nanostructured seed coating that acts as a biofungicide and plant growth promoter. Applied to rice seeds as a model crop, the coating aims to protect the beneficial fungus during storage, extend its shelf life, and enable controlled release in the soil. By improving the viability and performance of Trichoderma, the technology seeks to reduce dependence on chemical fungicides and fertilizers while lowering the doses required for effective crop protection.
Technical specifications
- Electrospinning process: Parameters optimized for the biobased polymer matrix and Trichoderma conidia, including polymer concentration, conidia concentration, applied voltage, and injection flow rate.
- Nanofiber mat: Produces a non-woven mat that encapsulates conidia within polymer fibers, providing a protective microenvironment for the microorganism.
- Viability assessment: Conidia viability measured by inoculating agar with the fiber mat and quantifying colony diameter.
- Stability study: Conidia germination percentage measured on coated rice seeds over a 10-month shelf life period.
- Antifungal performance: Inhibition of Rhizoctonia solani evaluated through the percentage of infected seeds in dual-culture assays.
- Biodegradable matrix: Designed to be compatible with agricultural use and to degrade in soil conditions.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development. Optimization of electrospinning parameters is the first milestone, followed by in vitro validation of conidia shelf life, seed germination impact on rice, and antifungal efficacy against R. solani. The project is planned for one year of execution in collaboration with the Andes University, leveraging AGROSAVIA's agricultural research facilities. Further field validation and scale-up studies would be needed before commercial deployment.
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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