en.Wedoany.com Reported - A research team from the Universidad de Antioquia has developed a biological input from native fungi in the Urabá region, specifically designed to combat Black Sigatoka (Sigatoka negra) in banana and plantain crops. Caused by the fungus Pseudocercospora fijiensis, this disease is one of the most destructive leaf diseases globally, leading to severe reductions in bunch weight and premature fruit ripening by impairing leaf photosynthesis, resulting in millions of dollars in losses for the industry.
The key to this scientific advancement lies in the fact that the selected fungi were directly collected from the roots of local banana plants. Because these organisms are naturally adapted to the ecosystem conditions of Urabá, they have a growth advantage and the ability to function effectively in the field. The research process began with collecting samples of the pathogenic pathogen and native strains of Trichoderma sp., which were gathered directly from the soil in the region. After cultivating both organisms under controlled conditions, metabolites produced by Trichoderma were extracted through a fermentation process, and their ability to inhibit disease spread was evaluated using in vitro tests.
To ensure the active substances can withstand environmental conditions and are released in a controlled manner, these compounds were encapsulated in chitosan biopolymers, significantly enhancing treatment efficacy. Laboratory tests showed that the pure extract inhibited pathogen growth by over 50%, while the encapsulated version achieved inhibition rates of 80% to 90%, a performance comparable to conventional commercial fungicides. This discovery helps reduce the use of fungicides; traditionally, Black Sigatoka management relies on synthetic fungicides, but over time, this has led to strong resistance in the pathogen to conventional chemical agents.
Yennifer Adriana Hinestroza Durango, an experimental researcher and biochemical engineer, noted that the disease is typically controlled through chemical means. The project offers an alternative: biological control using Trichoderma metabolites, without relying on heavy pesticide use, which brings environmental issues, health impacts, and high production costs. Implementing this biological input aims to stop the spread of Black Sigatoka more quickly and effectively in a targeted manner, while promoting more sustainable and clean export-oriented agriculture. By significantly reducing dependence on traditional pesticides, the project not only protects the economic stability of local producers but also mitigates environmental impacts on soil and water resources.
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